About
Phlomis herba - venti subsp. pungens is a subspecies of Phlomis in the mint family Lamiaceae, notable for its whorled flower clusters along the stems. It belongs to a genus that includes many herbaceous and shrubby forms distributed from the Mediterranean eastwards. Leaves on Phlomis species are typically opposite and stems often have a square section, with flowers borne in tight whorls. Flowering occurs from June to August.
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
In the garden
Phlomis herba - venti subsp. pungens sits within the genus Phlomis (Lamiaceae), a group with numerous species that span the Mediterranean into central Asia and China. Members of the genus characteristically carry opposite leaves and square stems, and produce flowers arranged in encircling whorls known as verticillasters; these structural traits help identify the plants at a glance. The flowering window for this subspecies runs from June to August, offering midsummer vertical detail when other perennials are at their peak. Flowers in the Phlomis group range in colour from yellow through pink and purple to white, and they form compact clusters around the stem, creating a layered floral effect along the flowering shoots. That arrangement makes the plant useful where a sequence of flowering tiers is wanted, such as in herbaceous borders or Mediterranean-style schemes where architectural summer blooms are needed. Observe the verticillaster habit when siting the plant so the flower whorls are visible from paths and viewing points; the clear June–August bloom period also makes it a predictable component when planning season-long displays. Expect the verticillaster flower whorls along the stems between June and August.
More in the Phlomis genus
- Phlomis italicaBalearic Island sage
- Phlomis russelianaTurkish sage
- Phlomis samiaJerusalem Sage
- Phlomis tuberosasage-leaf mullein
