Plum Smokey Mullein
Verbascum x 'Plum Smokey'
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Plum Smokey Mullein - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150+ | $24.99 |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Plum Smokey Mullein highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateFast
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Fall Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pollinator Required
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring, Summer
Growing Zones 5-9
Dusky purple-plum blooms, elegant flower spikes, and pollinator appeal - the Plum Smokey Mullein (Verbascum 'Plum Smokey') brings a touch of old-world charm to modern gardens! These graceful blooms rise like magic wands, drawing in bees and butterflies with their wide, flat petals and glowing yellow centers.
Flowers open from the bottom and work their way up the spike, creating a long-lasting vertical display. Upright, glossy green foliage forms a rosette at the base, perfectly framing the tall stems. Compact and low-growing, Plum Smokey Mullein fits into borders, cottage gardens, and cutting beds without overshadowing its neighbors.
Note: While it shares lineage with the traditional medicinal Mullein, once prized for soothing respiratory issues, Plum Smokey Mullein is cultivated as an ornamental biennial grown for its beauty and pollinator value. It is not intended for medicinal use.
This tough and reliable biennial proves beauty doesn't have to be fussy. Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and hardy against both cold and heat, Plum Smokey Mullein thrives even in rocky or poor soils as long as drainage is good. Deadheading encourages reblooming while also preventing it from freely self-seeding.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Dusky plum blooms with bright yellow centers
- Long flower spikes bloom from bottom to top
- Upright, glossy green foliage forms a neat rosette
- Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies
- Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, with cold and heat resilience
Landscaping Uses
Plum Smokey Mullein adds rich color and vintage flair to any sunny space. Great for:
- Cottage-style borders and rustic gardens
- Pollinator and cutting gardens
- Mixed perennial beds
- Accent plants in dry or rocky soils
Care & Maintenance
Plum Smokey Mullein grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. It's a compact biennial that offers reliable color and toughness.
- Planting Time: Spring or fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil; thrives even in rocky or poor conditions
- Moisture Needs: Low to moderate; use the Finger Test and water regularly during the first year to establish strong roots
- Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to protect roots and retain moisture
- Fertilization Needs: Plum Smokey Mullein is not fussy; a light spring compost dressing is usually sufficient
- Pruning Info: Deadhead to encourage continued blooms and prevent unwanted reseeding
- Special Perks: Cold- and heat-tolerant, drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and low maintenance
Don't forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong root health and support!
Smokey Blooms with Vintage Charm
For dusky blooms that climb each spike with grace, Plum Smokey Mullein is a timeless addition to any landscape. Order your Plum Smokey Verbascum today from NatureHills.com and enjoy this enchanting pollinator-friendly beauty year after year!
