White mullein
Verbascum lychnitis · Scrophulariaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant white mullein: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Lychnitis Mullein
- Family
- Scrophulariaceae
- Type
- Biennial or short-lived perennial herbaceous plant
- Adult size
- 0.8 to 1.5 m in height
- Flowering
- June to September, pale yellow flowers
- Foliage
- Deciduous, grayish-green, soft to the touch
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -15°C
- Origin
- Central and southern Europe
Care
Sunlight
Plant your lychnitis mullein in full sun for abundant flowering. It tolerates hot and dry situations well. A sunny exposure also promotes stem strength.
Soil and terrain
Prefer well-drained, rather dry soil, even poor or rocky. Mullein dislikes heavy soils and stagnant moisture. Slightly alkaline soil suits it particularly well.
Watering
Water moderately after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, mullein is very drought-tolerant and needs little watering. Significantly reduce watering in summer.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary, even on poor soil. Lychnitis mullein prefers lean conditions that enhance its hardiness and tolerance to difficult situations.
Pruning and maintenance
Remove spent flowers to encourage new flower spikes. At the end of its cycle, cut dry stems to ground level. Allow some plants to self-seed naturally if you wish.
Diseases and pests
This plant is very hardy and rarely affected by diseases. Powdery mildew can exceptionally appear in case of excessive moisture. Ensure good drainage and adequate air circulation around plants.
Did you know?
The lychnitis mullein owes its epithet "lychnitis" to ancient Greek *lychnos*, which means "lamp". Indeed, ancient botanists noticed that the downy and white leaves of certain mulleins could be dried, soaked in fat and used as improvised torch wicks, a practical trick of rural peoples and travellers.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.