Overview
Phlomis fruticosa is a bushy, clump forming shrub in the genus Phlomis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen, deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.3 m tall. Phlomis fruticosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, mediterranean gardens and drought-tolerant gardens. It is native to Albania, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Kriti, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, Transcaucasus and Türkiye.
About
Phlomis fruticosa, the Jerusalem sage, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Montenegro and Turkey.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlomis fruticosa
About the genus
Phlomis is a genus of over 100 species of herbaceous plants, subshrubs and shrubs in the mint family Lamiaceae, native from the Mediterranean region east across central Asia to China.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phlomis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlomis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlomis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phlomis fruticosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Height
- 1.3 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Mediterranean gardens, drought-tolerant gardens
- Native to
- Albania, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Kriti, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
- Fragrance
- Aromatic leaves with a sage-like scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlomis fruticosa
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established, avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phlomis fruticosa?
Prefers well-drained soil, drought tolerant once established, avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Phlomis fruticosa?
Phlomis fruticosa prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Phlomis fruticosa need?
Phlomis fruticosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Phlomis fruticosa?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Phlomis fruticosa grow?
Phlomis fruticosa reaches a height of 1.3 m.
Is Phlomis fruticosa hardy in the UK?
Phlomis fruticosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phlomis fruticosa?
Semi-ripe cuttings in summer, seed.
