VERBASCUM phoeniceum - 9cm Pot

Verbascum phoeniceum (Purple Mullein) Care:

Height and Spread:

• Height: Typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).
• Spread: Spreads moderately, forming clumps with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm).

Description:

• Flower Color and Shape: Purple Mullein produces spikes of flowers in various shades of purple, mauve, or violet. The flowers are densely packed along the tall, slender spikes.
• Foliage: The basal leaves are typically gray-green, lance-shaped, and covered in fine hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance. The leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant.
• Growth Habit: Purple Mullein has an upright growth habit with tall flower spikes rising from the basal rosette.

Care:

1. Sunlight:

• Purple Mullein thrives in full sun. Ensure it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

2. Soil:

• Well-draining soil is crucial. Purple Mullein is adaptable to various soil types but prefers a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.

3. Watering:

• Purple Mullein is drought-tolerant once established. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water sparingly, especially in well-drained soils.

4. Pruning:

• Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming. Prune back the spent flower spikes to promote a neat appearance and potentially encourage reblooming.

5. Fertilization:

• Purple Mullein is not a heavy feeder. Incorporating organic matter into the soil before planting can provide nutrients. Fertilize sparingly in the spring.

6. Support:

• While Purple Mullein has a generally sturdy habit, staking may be beneficial in exposed or windy locations, especially if the plant becomes top-heavy during flowering.

7. Winter Care:

• Purple Mullein is generally hardy. In colder tempertures, it may die back in winter and re-emerge in the spring. Applying a layer of mulch around the base can provide some winter protection.

8. Self-Seeding:

• Purple Mullein is known to self-seed. If you want to control its spread, deadhead flowers before they set seeds.

Purple Mullein is valued for its tall, elegant flower spikes and its ability to attract pollinators. It works well in cottage gardens, borders, and naturalized areas.