Overview
Phlomis russeliana is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Phlomis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Phlomis russeliana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to Türkiye.
About
Phlomis russeliana, Turkish sage, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Turkey and Syria in south west Asia. It is often confused with the closely related P. samia, and wrongly marketed as Phlomis viscosa. Growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall, it is a herbaceous perennial with hairy, erect stems. The textured, grey-green, sage-like leaves are arrow shaped, and point downwards. It grows to around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phlomis russeliana
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
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Phlomis russeliana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Türkiye
- Fragrance
- Mildly aromatic leaves with a sage-like scent.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlomis russeliana
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back old stems in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Division in spring, Seed sown at 13-18°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phlomis russeliana?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Phlomis russeliana?
Phlomis russeliana prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Phlomis russeliana need?
Phlomis russeliana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How do I prune Phlomis russeliana?
Cut back old stems in early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
How big does Phlomis russeliana grow?
Phlomis russeliana reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Phlomis russeliana hardy in the UK?
Phlomis russeliana 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 russeliana?
Division in spring, Seed sown at 13-18°C in spring.
