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Phlomis fruticosa
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Jerusalem sage

A small, spreading evergreen shrub, the erect shoots bearing sage-like, grey-green ovate leaves to 12cm in length. Flowers 3cm in length, hooded, deep yellow, appear in whorls in the upper leaf axils from early summer

Other common names
Jupiter's distaff
yellow clary
Synonyms
Phlomis angustifolia

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Phlomis can be herbaceous perennials or evergreen shrubs, with sage-like leaves and whorls of tubular, hooded flowers over a long period in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mediterranean

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in any well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Seed heads can be left over winter for their effect

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or division in the spring. Propagate by seed in late spring under cover

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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