What hardiness zones is Phlomis fruticosa suitable for?

Phlomis fruticosa is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Phlomis fruticosa?

Phlomis fruticosa requires Full Sun.

How much water does Phlomis fruticosa need?

Phlomis fruticosa has Very Low water needs.

Shrubs

Phlomis fruticosa

Jerusalem Sage

Lamiaceae

Mediterranean (Greece, Turkey, Albania; dry rocky slopes, garrigue, phrygana)

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At a Glance

TypeShrub

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m)

Width3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m)

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Phlomis fruticosa is an evergreen, subshrubby perennial reaching 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) tall with a spread of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) and a broad, mounding, multi-stemmed habit. Native to the Mediterranean, this member of the Lamiaceae produces whorls of hooded, sage-like flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long in bright golden-yellow, arranged in tiered clusters (verticillasters) spaced along the square stems, May-July. The opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, gray-green above and densely white-woolly beneath, creating a silvery effect when wind-ruffled. The whole plant is aromatic. The dried flower heads persist through winter as architectural seed structures. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 7. Extremely drought tolerant once established—native to hot, dry Mediterranean slopes.

Native Range

Phlomis fruticosa is native to the Mediterranean region—Greece, Turkey, Albania, and surrounding areas—in dry rocky slopes, garrigue, and phrygana at low to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted in Mediterranean gardens, gravel gardens, or dry borders at 3-4 foot (0.9-1.2 m) spacing. The gray-green woolly foliage and tiered yellow flowers provide Mediterranean character. Dried seed heads persist for winter architecture. Extremely drought tolerant. Not suitable for wet, rich, or shaded conditions. May suffer dieback in cold wet winters.

How to Identify

Distinguished from P. tuberosa by the evergreen subshrubby (versus herbaceous deciduous) habit, the gray-green woolly (versus green) foliage, and the bright golden-yellow (versus purple-pink) flowers. Distinguished from Phlomis russeliana by the golden-yellow (versus pale yellow) flowers and the woolly (versus smoother) leaf texture. The evergreen subshrub with gray-green woolly leaves and tiered whorls of bright golden-yellow hooded flowers is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'

Width/Spread3' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Spring Summer

Tiered whorls (verticillasters) of hooded golden-yellow flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm), May-July. Bloom duration 4-6 weeks. Dried seed heads persist through winter as architectural structures.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Bright golden-yellow; hooded sage-like 1-1.5 inches; tiered whorls (verticillasters); May-Jul

Foliage Description

Gray-green above, densely white-woolly beneath; ovate to lanceolate 2-4 inches; opposite; aromatic; silvery when wind-ruffled

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained, lean soil (pH 6.5-8.0). Hardy to zone 7. Extremely drought tolerant. Lean soil and sharp drainage essential—rich or moist conditions cause leggy, open growth. Tolerates alkaline soils. May suffer dieback in wet winters.

Pruning

Prune in spring—cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 to maintain compact form. Can leave dried seed heads for winter structure. Do not cut back into bare wood—may not regenerate.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 7 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic