Purple mullein 'Rosetta' Verbascum phoeniceum 'Rosetta'

Water

Purple Mullein should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic its natural drought-prone habitat. It's best to allow the soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. During the growing season, watering once a week with about one gallon of water per plant should suffice, depending on the climate and soil moisture levels. In hotter, drier periods, twice weekly may be necessary. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Light

Purple Mullein thrives in full sun and should be planted in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less than ideal light conditions. Ensure the chosen spot is free from shadows cast by larger plants or buildings to provide uninterrupted light exposure.

Temperature

Purple Mullein can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the daytime temperature is between 65°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -20°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. Conversely, it can tolerate high temperatures as long as the plant is well-watered and the roots are cool.

Pruning

Purple Mullein should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flower spikes, can be done throughout the blooming season. In addition, cutting the plant back in late fall helps maintain a tidy appearance and prepares it for the next growing season. Pruning is also vital to prevent the plant from self-seeding too aggressively.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Purple Mullein 'Rosetta' thrives in well-draining soil with added organic matter. The best soil mix is one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part grit or perlite. This perennial prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH range, between 6.0 and 8.0.

Repotting

Purple Mullein 'Rosetta' does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. It's best to repot in the spring, as the plant resumes active growth, when it has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Purple Mullein 'Rosetta' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity needs. It grows well in average ambient humidity found in most outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Verbascum phoeniceum 'Rosetta', commonly known as Purple Mullein, begins its life as a seed, requiring light to germinate in late winter or early spring. After germination, it develops a basal rosette of leaves, a stage which can last for several weeks as the plant becomes established. As the weather warms, it enters a vegetative growth phase, producing tall, erect stems that can reach up to 60 centimeters high. The plant then blossoms in late spring to early summer, displaying vivid rosette-shaped purple flowers beloved by pollinators. Following pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed near the parent plant or further afield by wind and animals. Purple Mullein is a short-lived perennial or biennial, often completing its life cycle in two years, after which it dies, leaving seeds to perpetuate the next generation.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Purple Mullein 'Rosetta' is by sowing seeds. The best time to propagate by seeds is in late winter to early spring. For successful germination, scatter the tiny seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix in a tray or pot, and lightly press them into the soil. Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). It is not necessary to cover the seeds with soil as they require light for germination. Seedlings usually emerge within two to three weeks, after which they can be transferred to individual pots once they have developed true leaves and have grown strong enough to handle.