Verbascum lychnitis aka White Mullein

Taxonomy

Verbascum lychnitis, also known as the white mullein, is a flowering plant in the figwort family native to Asia and Europe. It has naturalized in parts of North America and is commonly found in disturbed areas. This biennial or short-lived perennial forms a rosette of lance-shaped, mid-green leaves that may overwinter. In mid- to late summer, it produces a strongly upright, branched, flowering spike with yellow or white saucer-shaped blooms. The plant can be distinguished from other mulleins by its sessile and non-clasping stem leaves, with the upper and lower surfaces differing in color. The flowers are small and separated, and the plant has somewhat long flower stalks. The leaves are covered in short dendritic hairs, giving them a stellate appearance, with the lower surface being hairier than the upper. Verbascum lychnitis can also hybridize with other mullein species. It typically grows to about 1 meter in height and is commonly found in anthropogenic habitats, meadows, and fields.

Common names

White Mullein

How to care for White Mullein

Difficulty

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

Water

White Mullein should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

White Mullein 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

White Mullein 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 White Mullein is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the White Mullein should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

White Mullein’s native range is Europe, including Britain, from Belgium south and east to Spain, Greece, Siberia and Caucasus.


More info:
Wikipedia