Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage)

Award-winning Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage) is a small spreading semi-evergreen shrub with architectural whorls of deep golden-yellow, hooded flowers borne along the upper half and at the tips of erect stems in early summer. Additional flushes of bloom may occur throughout the growing season if the stems are promptly cut back after flowering. Reminiscent of sage, the foliage of lance-shaped, soft woolly gray-green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm), is however not aromatic. Evergreen in USDA Zones 8-10, Jerusalem sage typically dies to the ground in winter in USDA Zones 5-7, with its roots usually surviving. Seed heads can be left over winter for their effect.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 2-4 ft. high (60-120 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
• Very useful and adaptable in the garden. Excellent choice for the dry sunny border, cottage gardens or coastal gardens.
• Low maintenance and generally disease free. Watch for leafhoppers.
• Cut back after flowering to encourage additional blooms.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer or division in the spring. Propagate by seed in late spring under cover.
• Native to Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and countries of the former Yugoslavia.