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 H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, coastal, gravel garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Phlomis italica, the Balearic Island sage, is a species of flowering plant in the mint and sage family Lamiaceae, native to the Balearic Islands of Spain, and cultivated as a temperate ornamental plant. It is an evergreen shrub with large, oval, woolly grey-green leaves. In summer, circles of pale pink flowers appear at intervals along the erect stems. The height and spread is 50–100 cm (20–39 in). It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlomis italica
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
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, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlomis italica
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Seed sown at 13-18°C in spring, Softwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Phlomis italica?
Division in spring, Seed sown at 13-18°C in spring, Softwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Phlomis genus
Browse all Phlomis →
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