Jerusalem Sage

When a plant makes Piet Oudolf’s top 100 you know it’s worth a look. This hardy, easy care, semi evergreen perennial is made of strong stuff and easy on the eye.

The rough, heart shaped, mid green leaves grow low to the ground, forming a nice mound that will smother any weed that dares seed, yet hold its own in a crowded garden.

The upright, mahogany flower stems emerge mid to late spring and bloom on into summer with dense whorls of lilac pink from top to almost bottom. The stems will remain upstanding into winter, when their bronzed beauty will last until the end. They require no staking, are great for picking and beneficial insects and birds love them too.

Phlomis is perfect for beds and borders. They are at home in dry gardens and a stunning addition to cottage gardens. It is quick to establish and combines beautifully with ornamental grasses. It’s long lasting seasonal appeal is hard to surpass.

Plant Phlomis in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Water in well, they then become dry tolerant once established. They are frost hardy once established, but if you get hard frost you might want to hold off planting yours until spring.

Phlomis is native to the rocky slopes of Turkey and Syria and loves a Mediterranean climate.