Overview
Phlomis italica is a bushy shrubs in the genus Phlomis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Phlomis italica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is attractive to pollinators and low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, mediterranean climate plants and wildlife gardens. It is native to Balearic Islands.
About
Phlomis italica is a low-growing evergreen shrub that reaches a height of 60cm. It features soft, oblong foliage and produces clusters of up to six light pink, two-lipped flowers in the leaf axils during the summer months.
About the genus
Phlomis consists of herbaceous perennials and evergreen shrubs, characterized by leaves resembling those of sage and clusters of tubular, hooded blooms that appear throughout much of the summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlomis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Phlomis italica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Balearic Islands
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlomis italica
- Cultivation
- Grow in any fertile well drained soil in full sun
- Pruning
- Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 9
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring. Take softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phlomis italica?
Grow in any fertile well drained soil in full sun.
Where is the best place to plant Phlomis italica?
Phlomis italica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phlomis italica need?
Phlomis italica grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Phlomis italica?
Pruning group 8 or Pruning group 9.
How big does Phlomis italica grow?
Phlomis italica reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Phlomis italica hardy in the UK?
Phlomis italica has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Phlomis italica?
Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring. Take softwood cuttings in summer.
Is Phlomis italica good for pollinators?
Yes — Phlomis italica attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.