About

This clump-forming perennial with rough-textured, heart-shaped and long, dark green leaves and, unusually, foliage is not hairy nor silvery grey. Seedheads can offer structural interest in winter and also attract wildlife. Whorls of soft mauve-pink flowers shoot up in spring flowering all through summer.

About the genus

Phlomis can be herbaceous perennials or evergreen shrubs, with sage-like leaves and whorls of tubular, hooded flowers over a long period in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous, Semi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toSlovenia to Turkey

Care notes

CultivationWill grow nicely in fertile well-drained soil in full sun but prefering partial shade and moist soils
PruningCut back to the ground as the foliage dies down, flower heads can be left until spring for winter interest if upright
PropagationPropagate by division and seed in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)