Phlomis spp.
lampwicks
Mediterranean to central Asia and China
Overview
Phlomis spp. is a genus of about 100 species of perennials and evergreen shrubs in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native from the Mediterranean basin across to central Asia and China. Plants range from herbaceous perennials 0.4-1 m (16-40 in) tall to woody shrubs reaching 1.5 m (5 ft). The leaves are opposite, often large, wrinkled, grey-green, and softly woolly with dense hairs, and many are aromatic. The flowers are two-lipped and hooded, carried in tight, ball-like whorls spaced along upright stems; colour is most often yellow, as in P. fruticosa and P. russeliana, or pink to dull purple, as in P. italica and P. tuberosa. After bloom the dried calyces and seed heads persist through autumn and winter, holding the rounded whorls on bare stems. Phlomis spp. grows on dry, sunny, rocky hillsides and tolerates heat, wind, and drought once established. The main limitations are wet winter soils and hard frost, which can rot or kill the more tender Mediterranean species. The old woolly leaves were once used as lamp wicks, the source of one common name.
Native Range
Native from the Mediterranean region through southwest and central Asia to China. The greatest concentration of species is found around the eastern Mediterranean and in the dry mountains of western and central Asia.Suggested Uses
Grown in dry, sunny borders, gravel and Mediterranean gardens, and on hot banks, where the grey foliage and yellow or pink whorls suit drought-tolerant schemes. The persistent seed heads add structure to winter borders and are cut for dried arrangements.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 5'
Width/Spread1'8" - 3'4"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, pink, or dull purpleFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Phlomis spp. grows in full sun and sharp, free-draining soil, including poor, stony, and alkaline ground, and tolerates heat, wind, and drought once established. Wet winter soils are the main cause of loss, so the genus performs poorly in heavy, damp ground. Shrubby species are evergreen in mild climates but may be cut back by hard frost, regrowing from the base. Feeding is rarely needed and rich soil produces lax, floppy stems. Propagation is from seed, from semi-ripe cuttings, or by division of the perennial species. The woolly, aromatic foliage leaves plants largely untouched by deer and rabbits.Pruning
Spent flower stems can be left over winter for their seed heads and cut back in early spring, or removed after bloom for a tidier look and a possible light rebloom. Shrubby species are trimmed lightly in spring to keep a compact shape; cuts into old bare wood regrow slowly and are kept shallow.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons