About

Phlomis chrysophylla, the golden-leaved Jerusalem sage, is a small, rounded evergreen shrub with sage-like, ovate leaves to 6 cm that turn an attractive yellow-green in summer. Hooded, golden-yellow flowers 3 cm long are borne in whorls in early summer. A beautiful and ornamental shrub for a sunny, well-drained border.

About the genus

Phlomis can be herbaceous perennials or evergreen shrubs with sage-like, often grey-felted leaves and whorls of tubular, hooded flowers in yellow, pink or white over a long period in summer. Reliable, drought-tolerant plants for sunny, well-drained borders.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW Asia

Care notes

CultivationEasy to grow in any well-drained fertile soil in full sun. Seed heads can be left over winter for their effect
PruningPruning group 8 or pruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer or division in the spring. Propagate by seed in late spring under cover
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)