Overview
Phlomis samia is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Phlomis, part of the Lamiaceae family. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Phlomis samia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and mediterranean gardens. It is native to Greece, NW. Balkan Pen. and Türkiye.
About
Phlomis samia is a species in the mint family Lamiaceae and a member of the genus Phlomis. It bears the genus's characteristic whorls of hooded flowers arranged around square stems and frequently shows hairy foliage. Flowering occurs from June to August in the UK. The flower clusters and stem habit make it straightforward to identify in summer displays.
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
In the garden
Phlomis samia sits within the genus Phlomis and the family Lamiaceae and produces the genus's distinctive verticillaster (whorled) flower clusters on stems that are typically square in section. The species flowers in the UK from June to August, when the stacked, hooded blooms appear along the upper stems. Select a sunny, well-drained site that echoes the open habitats many Phlomis occupy; good drainage is particularly important where winters are wet. Plant with adequate spacing so air can move around the stems; this helps keep the hairy leaves and flowering stems dry through the season. Remove spent flower spikes to keep the plant tidy and to prevent seeding where you do not want volunteers. In a UK garden Phlomis samia works well at the front or middle of a sunny border, in a gravel or Mediterranean-style bed, or where its vertical flower whorls can be seen against a backdrop of lower foliage. The arrangement of flowers around the stems makes identification simple during its June–August season and gives summer borders a clear structural rhythm that lasts through the height of summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phlomis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- Sunny
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Phlomis samia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Height
- 1.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens
- Native to
- Greece, NW. Balkan Pen., Türkiye
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phlomis samia
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-ripe cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Phlomis samia?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Phlomis samia?
Phlomis samia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phlomis samia need?
Phlomis samia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Phlomis samia?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Phlomis samia grow?
Phlomis samia reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Phlomis samia hardy in the UK?
Phlomis samia has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Phlomis samia?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.
