Nettle-leaved mullein Verbascum chaixii 'Album'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Nettle-Leaved Mullein,' specifically the variety Verbascum chaixii 'Album,' is recognized for its striking floral spikes that showcase a delicate arrangement of pure white blooms. These flowers, each adorned with a contrasting purple center, are artfully studded along the towering spikes, which rise elegantly above the foliage. The leaves of the Nettle-Leaved Mullein form a low-growing rosette at the plant's base, boasting a soft, somewhat fuzzy texture that's typical to the species. These leaves are generally green in color and offer a subtle backdrop to the impressive floral display above. The species typically blooms in the summertime and tends to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's charm and its role in supporting local ecosystems. Its aesthetic appeal makes it a favored choice among gardeners aiming to add vertical interest and a touch of refined beauty without dominating the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Nettle-Leaved Mullein, Chaix's Mullein, White Mullein
Common names
Verbascum chaixii 'Album'.
ToxicityTo humans
Mullein is generally regarded as non-toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity from ingesting the common mullein. However, it's always wise to exercise caution and not consume any plant parts if you're not certain of their safety, as individual allergies or sensitivities can occur.
To pets
Mullein is also considered to be non-toxic to pets. There is no significant evidence to suggest that pets, such as cats and dogs, would experience adverse effects from ingesting parts of the common mullein. However, as with humans, individual animals can have allergies or sensitivities, and it's best to prevent pets from eating plants not specifically intended for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Provides a food source for bees and other beneficial insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-maintenance gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It has a natural resistance to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Long Blooming: Produces flowers over an extended period, from mid to late summer, offering aesthetic appeal throughout the season.
- Architectural Interest: Adds vertical interest to a garden with its tall spikes of flowers, ideal for creating depth and structure.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows.
- Cold Hardy: Capable of withstanding colder temperatures, which makes it suitable for many different climates.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be damaged by deer, beneficial for gardens in areas with large deer populations.
- Suitable for Cut Flowers: The blooms can be used in fresh floral arrangements, adding beauty indoors.
- Self-seeding: Capable of propagating on its own, which can be advantageous for naturalistic garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Mullein's tall and sturdy flower spikes can be dried and used in floral arrangements, providing a natural and rustic aesthetic.
- Due to its height and structure, Mullein can serve as a natural stake or support for other plants in the garden.
- Floral artists may use the soft, velvety leaves of Mullein to add texture to botanical art pieces.
- The plant's dried leaves can be incorporated into handmade papers to create unique textures and patterns.
- Mullein flowers can be infused in oils to create natural dyes for textiles, imparting soft yellow hues.
- The seeds of the Mullein can be added to bird feed mixes as an additional food source for wild birds.
- Gardeners often plant Mullein as a companion plant to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to the garden.
- The presence of Mullein in the garden can create micro-habitats for small insects and invertebrates, boosting biodiversity.
- Creative gardeners might use the patterned leaves of this plant as a natural stamp for craft projects by applying paint to the leaves and pressing them onto surfaces.
- The tall, architectural form of Mullein makes it suitable as a focal point in landscape design, especially in xeriscaping and dry gardens.
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 chaixii 'Album', commonly known as Nettle-leaved Mullein, has been used in traditional herbal remedies to soothe various ailments, symbolizing healing and comfort.
- Protection: The thick, felt-like leaves of the Nettle-leaved Mullein have been historically thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, representing protection and safety.
- Consolation: Due to its soft, velvety texture and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, the Nettle-leaved Mullein can be seen as a symbol of consolation, offering solace in hard times.
- Love Devotion: The stark white color of the 'Album' variety is often associated with purity and devotion, suggesting an unwavering and loyal love.
WaterNettle-leaved mullein prefers well-drained soil and does not like to be overwatered. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once a week during the growing season. The amount of water needed can vary, but a general guide is to provide about 1 gallon per plant per watering session. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant has proper drainage.
LightNettle-leaved mullein thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant would be an area that is exposed to sunlight throughout most of the day and is not shaded by larger plants or structures, ensuring it gets the light it needs to grow and bloom effectively.
TemperatureNettle-leaved mullein can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 20°F to as high as 85°F. However, the ideal temperature range for promoting healthy growth is between 60°F and 70°F. As a hardy plant, it can survive occasional dips in temperature, but extended exposure to temperatures outside its comfort zone may affect its health and flowering capacity.
PruningPruning nettle-leaved mullein is important for aesthetic reasons and to encourage more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to promote continuous flowering. In late fall or early spring, cut back the foliage to the ground to maintain a tidy appearance and to make way for new growth. Timing your pruning can help ensure a robust plant with plentiful blooms each year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilNettle-leaved Mullein thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil; a mix of loam, sand, and compost is ideal. It prefers slightly alkaline soil with a pH around 6.5 to 7.5.
RepottingNettle-leaved Mullein does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted once it outgrows its current container, generally every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingNettle-leaved Mullein is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers average room humidity. No specific humidity requirements are necessary.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal watering for Nettle-leaved Mullein.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; water sparingly for Nettle-leaved Mullein.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleVerbascum chaixii 'Album', commonly known as nettle-leaved mullein, begins its life cycle as a seed germinating in late winter to early spring, under the right moisture and temperature conditions. The seedlings develop into rosettes of fuzzy, serrated leaves at ground level during their first year, in a vegetative stage known as the basal rosette phase. In its second year, the plant enters the reproductive stage, sending up a tall, erect stem that can reach up to 1.5 meters, adorned with white flowers with purple stamens, blooming from June to September. After flowering, the plant sets seed, distributing them around the parent plant for propagation. Following seed dispersion, the biennial nettle-leaved mullein typically dies, having completed its two-year life cycle. However, if conditions are not ideal for seed germination, the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for several years, ensuring the survival of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Verbascum chaixii 'Album', commonly known as the nettle-leaved mullein, is best propagated through seed. The ideal time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, under cover, or in mid to late spring if sowing directly outdoors after the last frost. Seeds require light for germination, so they should be surface-sown and not covered with soil. It's advisable to sprinkle the seeds onto a well-draining seed starting mix and gently press them into the surface. Keep the soil moist but not wet, as Verbascum seeds can rot in overly saturated conditions. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks at temperatures around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they have grown large enough to handle and after the danger of frost has passed.
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