About

A smaller species, clump-forming perennial with rough-textured, heart-shaped and long, dark green leaves which are hairy and silvery green on the underside. Whorls of mauve flowers shoot up in spring flowering all through summer. Seedheads can offer structural interest in winter and also attract wildlife.

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
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
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toSE Europe Iran NW Africa

Care notes

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