Contents
Description
Verbascum Lychnitis, commonly known as White Mullein, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. This plant originated from Western Asia and Europe and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant produces a basal rosette of leaves in its first year and a tall flowering stem in its second year.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Verbascum |
Appearance
The White Mullein produces velvety, silver-gray leaves with woolly hairs. The leaves are large, oval-shaped, and can grow up to 20 centimeters long. The plant produces tall flowering stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The flowers are yellow and grow in clusters on the stem. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
White Mullein can grow in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. The plant requires full sunlight to grow and should be watered regularly during the growing season. Fertilization is not necessary, but a light application of compost or a balanced fertilizer can be applied at the beginning of the growing season. White Mullein is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
White Mullein is generally pest-free, but it can be susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. These diseases can be prevented by keeping the foliage dry and ensuring adequate spacing between plants. Aphids and spider mites can also attack the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
White Mullein is native to Western Asia and Europe, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. The plant can grow in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water White Mullein?
A: White Mullein should be watered regularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Is White Mullein a perennial or an annual plant?
A: White Mullein is a biennial plant.
Q: Can White Mullein grow in partial shade?
A: White Mullein prefers full sunlight, but it can tolerate some shade.
Q: Is White Mullein deer-resistant?
A: White Mullein is deer-resistant due to its fuzzy leaves, which deer do not like to eat.
Related Plants
- Verbascum Thapsus
- Verbascum Olympicum
- Verbascum Phoeniceum
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Timber Press.
- Huxley, A. (1992). The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening (Vol. 4). Macmillan.
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Verbascum lychnitis L. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=VELY
