About
Phlomis fruticosa, Jerusalem sage, is a small, spreading evergreen shrub to around 1 m with upright shoots bearing sage-like, grey-green, ovate leaves to 12 cm long. Hooded, deep-yellow flowers 3 cm long appear in whorls in early summer. One of the most reliable and ornamental of all sun-loving shrubs for a 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-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 usesCoastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Cottage and informal garden
Native toMediterranean
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)