Jerusalem Sage
Phlomis russeliana

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Phlomis russeliana is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Woods, clearings and hazel scrub to 1700 metres in Turkey.

N. Africa to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Plants have large heart-shaped leaves that overlap to make an extremely effective weed suppressing ground cover. They form a carpet that roots as it spreads and should be spaced about 60cm apart each way.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Foundation, Ground cover, Specimen. Succeeds in most well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Succeeds in dry soils, tolerating drought when established. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Plants are often confused in cultivation with P. samia, which differs mainly in having pink flowers. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Naturalizing.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germinates quickly. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. viscosa. Hort.