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Phlomis italica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Balearic Island sage

A spreading evergreen shrub to 60cm tall, with woolly, oblong leaves and whorls of up to six 2-lipped light pink flowers in the upper leaf axils in summer

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

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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
Balearic Islands

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any fertile well drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring. Take softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • 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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