Verbascum virgatum aka Green Mullein

Taxonomy

Verbascum virgatum, also known as twiggy mullein or wand mullein, belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and is native to Great Britain, Italy, France, the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, and the Madeira Islands. However, it has become naturalized in various regions including North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Polynesia, and the Azores. This tall-growing biennial plant can reach up to 2 meters in height and produces yellow flowers with a purple center that are 3 to 4 cm in diameter. Twiggy mullein is considered a significant environmental weed in Victoria and a minor or potential environmental weed in other parts of Australia. To get rid of it, spray the weeds with a 2 percent solution of glyphosate or triclopyr and water mixed with a non-ionic surfactant. On the other hand, wand mullein is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and thrives in direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and does not need added fertilizers if repotted every time it doubles in size.

Common names

Green Mullein, Twiggy Mullein, Wand Mullein

How to care for Green Mullein

Difficulty

Caring for Green Mullein is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

Green 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

Green 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 Twiggy Mullein is always in the right place to thrive.

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 Green Mullein 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