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Phlomis fruticosa ( FLOW - miss , froo - tih - KOH - suh ) is a drought - tolerant , repeated flowering shrub hailing from China , the Mediterranean , and parts of easterly Asia .
This summer - flower bush is a fellow member of the Lamiaceae or mint family .
Other in the Lamiaceae kin include :
The plant ’ genus name , Phlomis , is Greek and may refer to a similar plant , Phlomis Mullein , which is not a part of this genus .
The specific name , fruticosa , is also Greek and think of short and shrubby .
The plant is ordinarily referred to as Jerusalem Sage or simply as Phlomis .
Jerusalem Sage Care
Size & Growth
This flowering , easily naturalize shrub can attain a height and breadth of 3′ to 4′ feet .
The heart - shaped , evergreen plant leave-taking are deeply textured , fuzzy , and grayish - green .
Although Jerusalem Sage is not actually a sage , when the leave are contuse , they do give off a sage aroma .
Flowering & Fragrance
pollyannaish , bighearted yellowish flowers turn in spiral along the stem .
The shining yellow flush set up a dazzling contrast to the plants ’ blue - green leaf .
The blossom are very attractive to insects , and because the plant has both female and manful organs , pollination by insects is necessary .
peak time alter reckon upon where the plant uprise .
Typically , the growing and blooming season begins mid - spring and finish betimes in the autumn .
Deadheading and casual watering will advance a second flush of blooms .
If permit to go to cum , the flush still hunt and seed heads are attractive on their own .
fowl appreciate the extra solid food reservoir provided by the source , and the standing stalks supply wintertime interest .
Light & Temperature
Watering & Feeding
deal mature plant as wildflowers by providing deep lacrimation occasionally when the soil dries out completely .
Provide an applications programme of an ammonium phosphate fertilizer early in the spring .
Soil & Transplanting
In its native setting , you will find oneself Jerusalem Sage produce in dry , rocky limestone Hill .
In your garden , you ’ll feel this audacious plant does well in almost any type of soil but prefers well - run out stain .
For best carrying into action , prepare a gravelly bed in full sunlight in an area sheltered against frigid hint .
Grooming & Maintenance
You ’ll get the best blooms by deadheading oft throughout the plants ’ growing time of year .
At the end of the growing season , adjudicate whether you wish to cut back the final blooms for a more goodish show through the winter or leave them to go to source as a food source for doll .
At the closing of the winter , cut back the plant back to the ground .
This will spur smart maturation in the spring .
lead : Mist Jerusalem Sage just before pruning to prevent consume whisker from its blurred leaves fly around .
How To Propagate Phlomis Fruticosa
Phlomis is easy produce from cum and will self - seed in a conducive climate .
Jerusalem Sage can also be propagated via cuttings or through the use of the layering method .
Phlomis Fruticosa Pest or Disease Problems
For the most part , these easily naturalize plants are disease and pest free .
They are especially resistant to oak root fungus .
Occasionally , leafhoppers may be elusive .
Is This Plant Toxic Or Poisonous?
Far from being toxic , Phlomis has many culinary and medicative uses .
It is used in a panoptic variety of soups , swither , alimentary paste , and meat dishes .
In ethnic music medicine , it is valued for its antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits .
Is This Plant Invasive?
Jerusalem Sage has easily naturalize to many region of California .
Although it is not list as being invasive , it could easily adapt and become so .
When growing it , take care to keep it contained in your garden .
Suggested Jerusalem Sage Uses
Phlomis is attractive to all pollinators , but especially to bees .
It is also resistant to deer and rabbits .
For this reason , it ’s an excellent summation to your butterfly stroke and pollinator garden , and it also makes a good naturalize add-on plant for open meadow and habitat gardens .
Jerusalem Sage is also fire resistive , so it is worthy in expanse prone to summertime flame .
It does well planted on slopes and looks squeamish mixed in with ornamental dope .
Because it is an comestible herbaceous plant , it is a logical and natural accession to your herbaceous plant or veg garden .
The attractive seeds and flower head are often dried and used in arrangements .
