Verbascum densiflorum - Denseflower Mullein - Seed

Description

• Scrophulariaceae Lamiales
• Western Europe to Scandinavia, introduced on all continents (temperate climates)
• Listed on the Red List of Threatened Species
• H 2m x W 1.2m
•  Z4 
• Annual, Biennial
• Synonyms: Dense-Flowered Mullein, Verbascum thapsiforme subsp. densiflorum, Verbascum phlomoides subsp. thapsiforme
• 1 packet of 50 seeds

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Detail

Verbascum densiflorum is a close cousin of the Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Much less common, it resembles V. thapsus in every way, except that V. densiflorum is larger and makes a spectacular flowering much more ornamental (branched and taller inflorescences, larger flowers, greater density on the spikes)

The Denseflower Mullein is very impressive

It can be used as an ornamental plant, isolated in the middle of an empty space or grouped at the back of flowerbeds

Because it is a wild plant, it can also be installed in uncultivated areas or poorly maintained embankments, where it will naturalize

The extent of its growth will be lessen, however, than in more favorable growing conditions

Young Verbascum densiflorum sets a very large rosette of leaves, growing on a strong, deeply planted taproot

These leaves are gigantic, slightly downy, glaucous green, arch shaped

During the spring of the 2^nd year (autumn sowing) or during the summer of the 1^st year (spring sowing) a robust, erect, tall floral scape grows and ramifies

It is abundantly covered with large, pure yellow flowers, with bright orange stamens contrasting

They follow one another uninterrupted for weeks and months

They are melliferous and very attractive to foraging insects and to ants

Denseflower Mullein is a medicinal plant with medicinal properties: Antirheumatic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Diuretic, Emollient, Expectorant, Painkiller, Pectoral, Vulnerary

Its flowers are used in herb teas and oily macerates

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Cultivation

Sow Denseflower Mullein seeds in August-September for flowering on the following summer (biennial cycle) or in March-April for flowering in the summer of the same year (annual cycle)

If grown as a biennial, it will become a huge plant

Sow in place on the surface of clean, tilled soil, or in pots in the nursery, on a mixture of garden soil and potting soil

The seeds being very tiny should not be covered (just spread on moist soil)

Germination is random, even in pots, and sometimes, seeds will germinate 1 or 2 years after sowing

Transplant in place as soon as possible

Indeed, Verbascum densiflorum must be able to set its deep and robust taproot

Choose a location in full sun, in deep, well-drained soil

Leave the flower stalk drying if you want the plant to spread seeds and naturalize

Maintenance-free and never bothered by weeds