Wavy-leaved Mullein Plant Care
Verbascum sinuatum L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Verbascum sinuatum, commonly known as the scallop-leaved mullein, the wavyleaf mullein, or Candela regia, is a species of perennial herbaceous plants in the genus Verbascum (mullein), growing in heavy soils in Central Asia and the Mediterranean region. It grows to 1.2–1.5 m (3.9–4.9 ft).
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to part shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Plant Wavy-leaved Mullein in full sun to part shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Wavy-leaved Mullein (Verbascum sinuatum) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Verbascum genus.
Wavy-leaved Mullein displays a tall spires of flowers growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wavy-leaved Mullein produces large, showy spikes of yellow, pink, or purple flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Water a young or newly planted Wavy-leaved Mullein every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Wavy-leaved Mullein Need?
Wavy-leaved Mullein thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wavy-leaved Mullein Prefer?
Verbascum sinuatum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Wavy-leaved Mullein prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Wavy-leaved Mullein to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Feed Wavy-leaved Mullein every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Wavy-leaved Mullein is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Wavy-leaved Mullein can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Prune Wavy-leaved Mullein while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Wavy-leaved Mullein in Winter?
Wavy-leaved Mullein is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Wavy-leaved Mullein can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bombyciferum mullein plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wavy-leaved Mullein Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Wavy-leaved Mullein, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wavy-leaved Mullein?
Wavy-leaved Mullein is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wavy-leaved Mullein Need?
Wavy-leaved Mullein grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Wavy-leaved Mullein as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Wavy-leaved Mullein is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Verbascum genus — compare its care with other Verbascum species on PlantoScan.
Verbascum is part of the Scrophulariaceae plant family — browse all Scrophulariaceae genera and species.
Wavy-leaved Mullein thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Verbascum Species
Other Verbascum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Verbascum sinuatum L., family Scrophulariaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 178 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Wavy-leaved Mullein, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
