Verbascum boerhavii aka Lambs Ear, Mullen

Taxonomy

Verbascum boerhavii, also known as the annual mullein, is a rare species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. It is native to Spain, France, and Italy, including the Balearic Islands and Corsica. Traditionally, it has been used as a treatment for haemorrhoids due to its phenylpropanoid glycoside poliumoside content, which has an affinity for metalloproteinases. This plant displays several slightly hairy spires of large, attractive, red-eyed golden flowers amidst grey, floppy leaves. It is one of the less invasive species and ideal for a hot spot in your garden. As a houseplant, Verbascum boerhavii requires regular watering and long-lasting direct light, no more than 1 foot from a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Lambs Ear, Mullen, Mullein, Lambs Ear Mullein

How to care for Lambs Ear, Mullen

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Lambs Ear, Mullen is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Lambs Ear, Mullen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Lambs Ear, Mullen loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Lambs Ear, Mullen requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Mullein is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Lambs Ear, Mullen to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Lambs Ear, Mullen should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia