Mullein Verbascum 'Valerie Grace'
ABOUT
Verbascum 'Valerie Grace', commonly known as 'Valerie Grace' mullein, is a striking perennial that boasts an elegant and showy appearance. It has a rosette of soft, felt-like leaves that are silver-green in color, providing a beautiful contrast throughout the seasons. From this base of foliage, there emerge tall, sturdy stems that hold aloft lovely flower spikes. The blooms are carried in dense clusters, and each individual flower is characterized by a warm, buttery yellow color. In the center of the flowers, one can observe darker, stamen filaments which add a touch of drama to the blossoms. 'Valerie Grace' mullein has a particularly long flowering season, gracing gardens with its vivid displays often from mid to late summer. It is popular among gardeners not only for its visual appeal but also for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which find the flowers irresistible. With its elegant stature and captivating flowers, 'Valerie Grace' mullein is a favorite for adding vertical interest and a touch of cottage charm to garden beds and borders.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Mullein, Aaron's Rod, Velvet Plant
Common names
Verbascum 'Valerie Grace'.
ToxicityTo humans
Mullein, including the cultivar Verbascum 'Valerie Grace', is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, various species of Verbascum have been used historically in herbal medicine. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause reactions if ingested or if the plant comes into contact with skin. It is always advisable to exercise caution and not consume plants that are not specifically grown or identified for human consumption.
To pets
Mullein, including the cultivar Verbascum 'Valerie Grace', is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a toxic plant to pets by major organizations such as the ASPCA. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, due to the fibrous material or natural compounds present in plants that pets are not adapted to digest. If you suspect your pet has ingested mullein and is showing symptoms of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Verbascum 'Valerie Grace' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It generally requires minimal care other than occasional watering and deadheading to remove spent flowers.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its tall spikes of yellow flowers, Verbascum 'Valerie Grace' adds a vertical element and visual interest to garden beds and borders.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is not typically favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with high deer populations.
- Long Blooming Season: It has a relatively long flowering period, which can extend throughout the summer with the proper care.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mullein is sometimes planted to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which appreciate its nectar and pollen.
- Gardeners can use the tall, stately spikes of mullein as natural stakes for supporting other plants in their gardens.
- Mullein can be used in landscaping for erosion control, as its roots help to stabilize loose soil on slopes.
- The leaves of mullein can be a natural insulating material in compost piles, helping to retain heat and speed up the composting process.
- Dried mullein stalks and leaves can serve as a tinder material for starting fires in a traditional bushcraft or survivalist setting.
- In the past, mullein was used as a fish sedative by Native Americans; the seeds contain rotenone, which briefly stuns fish, but this is not recommended or legal in many areas now.
- The silvery foliage and the yellow flowers of mullein can be used in flower arrangements for a contrast of texture and color.
- Mullein can be planted as part of a wildlife-friendly garden, providing shelter for small animals and birds among its thick foliage.
- The sturdy, fibrous nature of dried mullein leaves can be used as a makeshift sandpaper for smoothing wood or other materials in craft projects.
- They may serve as a colorant for natural dyes, although not commonly known, some parts of the plant can impart a yellow or greenish hue.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mullein is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mullein is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Verbascum, commonly known as Mullein, has been used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory disorders and skin conditions, symbolizing physical and emotional healing.
- Protection: Mullein is thought to ward off evil and negativity, often used in practices to create protective barriers.
- Courage: Due to its towering height and robust nature, Mullein can represent courage and the ability to stand tall through adversity.
- Love: In some traditions, Mullein is used in love charms, suggesting its association with love and attracting the affection of others.
- Purification: With its history in medicinal uses and its bright flowers, it is often associated with cleansing the spirit and purifying the heart.
WaterThe Mullein 'Valerie Grace' requires moderate watering, with the soil being allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, water once a week with about 1 gallon of water, ensuring that it reaches the roots without waterlogging the plant. During the growing season in spring and summer, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly dry or hot. In the cooler months of fall and winter, reduce the frequency as the plant's water needs decrease. Always check the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time to water.
LightMullein 'Valerie Grace' thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in a sunny border or a location where it's exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day. It can tolerate some light shade, but its flowering might be diminished in less than optimal sun exposure.
TemperatureMullein 'Valerie Grace' can withstand a wide range of temperatures but performs best in zones with temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit and is reasonably frost tolerant. Ideally, keeping it in an environment where night-time temperatures don't fall below freezing will promote its health and longevity.
PruningPruning Mullein 'Valerie Grace' is essential to encourage more blooms and to maintain a tidy plant appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. In late winter or early spring, prune back the foliage to the ground to facilitate fresh growth. The best time for major pruning is immediately after the blooming period has ended, although light pruning can be done any time as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMullein 'Valerie Grace' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing loam, sand, and compost is ideal for this plant's growth.
RepottingMullein 'Valerie Grace' is a biennial or short-lived perennial and does not require frequent repotting. It should only be repotted if outgrown its container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingMullein 'Valerie Grace' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a moderate humidity environment. It is generally more concerned with proper soil drainage than atmospheric humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering for Mullein.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water sparingly for Mullein.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleMullein 'Valerie Grace' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in spring or early summer when soil temperatures warm. After germination, the seedlings establish a rosette of basal leaves, a phase that can last through the first growing season for a biennial variety, or proceed more quickly for perennials. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage where the foliage expands, and the plant develops a tall flowering stalk the following year if a biennial, or within the same year if it is a perennial cultivar. Once mature, it produces clusters of saucer-shaped flowers, usually in mid to late summer, which are attractive to various pollinators. After the flowering phase, seeds develop and are dispersed near the parent plant or by wind to new locations. The plant may die back after seeding if it's a biennial, or prepare for dormancy and regrowth the following season in the case of perennials, thus completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Verbascum 'Valerie Grace', commonly known as a variety of Mullein, can typically be propagated through the sowing of seeds. This process is best done in late winter to early spring, when temperatures start to rise, promoting germination. To propagate by seed, one should sow the Mullein seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as they require light to germinate. The container should be kept in a warm area with plenty of indirect light and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination commonly occurs within two to three weeks. Once seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and then into the garden when they're strong enough to withstand outdoor conditions.
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