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Description
Verbascum Phlomoides, commonly known as the Mullein, is a biennial plant that belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in North America. This plant grows up to 2 meters tall and has a hairy stem. The leaves are large, grayish-green, and have a velvety texture. It produces yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, and it is a popular ornamental plant in gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Verbascum |
Appearance
The Verbascum Phlomoides plant has a striking appearance due to its tall stem, large leaves, and bright yellow flowers. The stem is hairy and can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are large and have a velvety texture. They are grayish-green in color and can grow up to 50 cm long. The flowers are produced in a spike-like inflorescence and are yellow in color. They bloom in the summer and are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Verbascum Phlomoides is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Verbascum Phlomoides is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small insects can damage the leaves and flowers of the plant. Use insecticidal soap to control them.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Verbascum Phlomoides is native to Europe and Asia, but it has been naturalized in North America. It prefers dry, rocky areas and can be found in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Verbascum Phlomoides toxic to humans or animals?
A: No, Verbascum Phlomoides is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can Verbascum Phlomoides be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Verbascum Phlomoides can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s size.
Q: How often should I fertilize Verbascum Phlomoides?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How tall can Verbascum Phlomoides grow?
A: Verbascum Phlomoides can grow up to 2 meters tall.
Related Plants
- Verbascum Blattaria
- Verbascum Thapsus
- Verbascum Densiflorum
- Verbascum Chaixii
References
- “Verbascum Phlomoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d390.
- “Verbascum Phlomoides.” Plants For A Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Verbascum+phlomoides.
- “Mullein (Verbascum Phlomoides).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/verbascum-phlomoides-mullein.
