Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem sage
Also known as Phlomis latifolia, Phlomis portae
- Height × spread
- 1m × 1.2m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a handsome and distinctive shrub. It has long, grey, downy leaves that are white on their underside. The edges of the leaf also appear white because its furry underside is visible. It does make a rather untidy clump over time and can benefit from being occasionally and carefully cut back to reinstate a comely form. If bruised the foliage emits a sage-like fragrance. The yellow flowers come from midsummer onwards, whorled at intervals around the upright flowering stalks. The rather downy flowers look as though they have been made out of fabric.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Stem colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 1.2m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Deer resistant, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
- Pet safe
- Yes – listed in our pet-safe plants
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during drought
In drought conditions where established plants in the ground have had no water for a month, do a deep watering. If drought continues repeat after a fortnight. Plants only need watering during spring to autumn growth. Check plants in pots more often.
Established plants have a good degree of drought tolerance. Water after a prolonged period of drought. Many drought tolerant plants can rapidly revive, even when much of the foliage has died. They will respond with new growth.
Spring - mid-late · Planting
Trim the plant
Trim the plant to give it a general tidy. This includes removing any lengthy or awkward shoots that make the plant look visually less attractive. Remove any spent flower heads at the same time.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Found in
More Phlomis
Phlomis russeliana
Russell's phlomis, Greek Jerusalem sage, Sticky Jerusalem sage
Phlomis
Ornamental sage
Phlomis chrysophylla
Golden leaved sage
Phlomis grandiflora 'Lloyd's Silver'
Lloyd's phlomis
Phlomis italica
Balearic Island phlomis
Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone'
Tuberous phlomis, Jerusalem sage, Sage-leaf mullein
Phlomis tuberosa 'Bronze Flamingo'
Tuberous phlomis, Sage-leaf mullein