Shrubby Jerusalem Sage
(Phlomis fruticosa)
Shrubby Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa)
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Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Jean-Pol GRANDMONT
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT | Publisher: Wikipedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Phlomis fruticosa, commonly known as Shrubby Jerusalem Sage, is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Albania, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and countries of the former Yugoslavia. It thrives in open woodlands and on rocky hillsides where it is adapted to dry, sunny conditions. This plant typically grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall and 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide, with a rounded, bushy habit. The sage-like, aromatic leaves are oval, 5–10 cm (2-4 inches) long, wrinkled, grey-green with white undersides, and covered with fine hairs, which help to conserve moisture. From late spring to summer, it produces deep yellow, tubular flowers, 3 cm in length, arranged in whorls of 20 in short spikes. The flowers are highly showy and attract pollinators such as bees.
Shrubby Jerusalem Sage is valued for its drought tolerance, aromatic foliage, and vibrant yellow flowers that add a splash of color to the garden. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental qualities. Commonly used in xeriscaping, Mediterranean gardens, and as a border plant, it is also deer resistant, making it a good choice for areas with wildlife pressure. It is hardy in zones 7 to 11 and tolerates a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. For optimal growth, it should be planted in full sun to part shade and requires only moderate watering once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require pruning to maintain shape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Shrubby Jerusalem Sage is valued for its drought tolerance, aromatic foliage, and vibrant yellow flowers that add a splash of color to the garden. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for its ornamental qualities. Commonly used in xeriscaping, Mediterranean gardens, and as a border plant, it is also deer resistant, making it a good choice for areas with wildlife pressure. It is hardy in zones 7 to 11 and tolerates a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. For optimal growth, it should be planted in full sun to part shade and requires only moderate watering once established. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may require pruning to maintain shape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and rocky hillsides in the Mediterranean region
Other Names
Common Names: Jerusalem-Sage, Strauchiges Brandkraut, Lejonsvans, Jerusalem Sage
Scientific Names: , Phlomis fruticosa, Phlomis angustifolia, Phlomis portae, Phlomis latifolia, Beloakon luteum, Phlomis collina, Phlomis portei, Phlomis salviifolia, Phlomis scariosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Phlomis fruticosa L.