Overview
Phlomis pratensis is a perennial herb in the genus Phlomoides, part of the Lamiaceae family. Phlomis pratensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and wildflower meadows. It is native to Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan and Xinjiang.
About
Phlomis pratensis is a species in the genus Phlomoides within the mint family Lamiaceae, notable for its whorled flower spikes (verticillasters) that appear from June to September. The plant displays opposite, decussate leaves and stems that are typically square in section; many parts are covered in hairs. The genus name links to a Greek word for “flame”, reflecting an ancient use of the leaves as lamp wicks and reflected in common names such as Jerusalem sage or lampwick plant. Flower colour in the genus ranges from yellow through pink and purple to white.
About the genus
Phlomoides, also called Jerusalem sage and Lampwick plant, is a genus of over 130 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae, native from the eastern Mediterranean Basin through Eastern Europe, western and central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent to China, Korea, and the Russian Far East. Phlomoides now comprises many species formerly in the genus Phlomis, and the former genera Eremostachys, Lamiophlomis, Notochaete, and Pseuderemostachys.
Wikipedia contributors, "Phlomoides", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlomoides
In the garden
Phlomis pratensis belongs to a group of over 100 Phlomoides species traditionally placed in the mint family Lamiaceae and native from the Mediterranean east across central Asia to China. The genus includes herbaceous plants, subshrubs and shrubs, and species vary in height across a broad range. The Greek-derived genus name alludes to historical uses of the leaves as lamp wicks and survives today in common names such as Jerusalem sage. Identification rests on several consistent features: opposite, decussate leaves with rugose or reticulate venation, stems that are usually square in section, and flowers arranged in the characteristic verticillasters that encircle the stem. Flower colour in the group is variable — yellow, pink, purple or white — and Phlomis pratensis flowers from June to September, so its season is firmly mid- to late-summer. Use the plant where its vertical, whorled flower spikes can be seen clearly, for example toward the middle or rear of a mixed border or amid gravel and Mediterranean-style planting where architectural stems are wanted. The verticillasters provide summer structure; plan to site the plant where those layered flower tiers remain visible through its June to September display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlomoides
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate, well-drained
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Phlomis pratensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, wildflower meadows
- Native to
- Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Xinjiang
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlomis pratensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; tolerates drought once established
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- seed, division in spring
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phlomis pratensis?
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; tolerates drought once established.
Where is the best place to plant Phlomis pratensis?
Phlomis pratensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Phlomis pratensis need?
Phlomis pratensis grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.
How do I prune Phlomis pratensis?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Phlomis pratensis hardy in the UK?
Phlomis pratensis 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 pratensis?
Seed, division in spring.
