About
Phlomis russeliana, Turkish sage, is a hairy perennial to 90 cm with large, ovate, rough-textured, grey-green leaves with a woolly white coating beneath. Stout stems bear whorls of hooded, soft-yellow flowers 3 cm long from late spring to autumn, followed by ornamental, persistent seedheads. An excellent and long-flowering plant for a sunny, 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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toTurkey
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate partial shade
PruningPruning group 8 or pruning group 9
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)