Phlomis russeliana leaves

Phlomis russeliana       Family: Lamiaceae
(FLOW-mis russ-sel-lee-AY-nah)

Common name: Jerusalem sage; sticky Jerusalem sage
Zone: 3 – 8
Height: 3-4 ft (90-120 cm) Spread: 2-3 ft (60-90 cm)
Aspect: full sun; partial shade
Soil: average; well-draining
Water: minimal

 

Description: An herbaceous perennial with an upright, slightly spreading habit. Large, fuzzy, heart-shaped, sage green leaves with a pebbly surface are in pairs up strong, furry, semi-woody stems. Bright, butter yellow, distinctly hooded flowers appear in whorls along the stems in summer through autumn.

 

Special Notes: Native to Turkey and Syria. Leaves are slightly aromatic and a little sticky to the touch. Attracts bees and other pollinating insects. Few pests or diseases. Drought tolerant once established. Deer and rabbit resistant. Propagate by seed; division in spring or autumn.

 

RHS Award of Garden Merit 1993

 

Phlomis russeliana flowersIn our Zone 7a garden: This is a favourite plant. Nothing bothers it…no pests or diseases of any kind. (Touch wood now that I have said this,) It is very drought tolerant. Ours is planted in the garden bed in front of the greenhouse where it basks in full sun for most of the day. And it brings in the bees. They love the hooded flowers, forever pushing with their back legs, trying to get their fat little abdomens up inside.

 

 

Posted on January 12, 2013. Updated on February 1, 2013