Balearic Island Sage

For long lasting seasonal appeal this plant is hard to surpass. On upright stems, the grey green, evergreen leaves are fleeced with soft, woollen hairs. From late summer the flower stems rise up with whorls of hooded lilac pink florets.

The floccose foliage gives rise to its common name of Woolly Sage. It is from the Balearic Islands, as its other common name suggests, off the coast of Spain, and it quite tough and dry tolerant as a result. Naturally, it is well suited to coastal gardens and Mediterranean climates.

Phlomis are perfect for beds and borders. They are at home in dry gardens and a stunning addition to cottage gardens. They are quick to establish and combine beautifully with ornamental grasses and a whole host of perennials.

Plant Phlomis in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil – they won’t cope in boggy soils. Water in well, they then become dry tolerant once established. While it is frost hardy through most of Australia, if you get the hard frosts, the leaves are likely to suffer, wait and give it a prune in spring once the new foliage starts to shoot.