Jerusalem Sage, Shrubby Jerusalem sage
Phlomis fruticosa
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 fruticosa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.3 m (4ft 3in) by 1.5 m (5ft) 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) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 1.3
Where it is found
Dry cliffs and rocky places in limestone hills to 1000 metres.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Can be grown as a low hedge, it is very tolerant of trimming. A good dense ground cover for a sunny sheltered position, though it needs weeding for the first year or so.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border. Requires a well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds. Grows well in poor gravelly soils and on hot dry banks. Grows better in the milder areas of Britain. Prefers very little water in the summer. Established plants are drought resistant. Plants are hardy to about -10°c when growing in a well-drained soil. Plants flower most freely on young wood so any pruning is best done in late spring. The leaves, when bruised, emit an aromatic sage-like perfume. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Fragrant foliage.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. It normally germinates quickly in warm weather. When 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 in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist