Phlomis italica
balearic island sage
Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean)
Overview
Phlomis italica is an evergreen shrub in the Lamiaceae family, forming an upright, rounded bush 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) wide. The narrow, gray-green leaves, 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) long, are densely covered in soft hairs that give them a felted, gray-white surface. Through early to midsummer the stems carry whorls of soft lilac-pink two-lipped flowers spaced along the upper stem, with several tiers per stem. The hooded flowers are hairy on the outside, and the dried seed heads stand on the plant after bloom. Phlomis italica grows from a woody base and tolerates heat, wind, coastal salt, and drought once established. It is hardy only in USDA zones 8 through 10 and is damaged or killed by hard frost. It needs full sun and sharply drained soil; in damp or heavy ground, especially over winter, the roots rot, and shade loosens the habit and dulls the gray foliage. Light pruning after bloom keeps the bush dense. Flowers draw bees and other pollinators. Native to the Balearic Islands of the western Mediterranean, it is grown in gravel gardens, dry sunny borders, and coastal and Mediterranean-style plantings.
Native Range
Phlomis italica is native to the Balearic Islands of the western Mediterranean, where it grows on dry, rocky hillsides and scrub. It grows on poor, stony ground in full sun.Suggested Uses
Grown in gravel gardens, dry sunny borders, rock gardens, and coastal and Mediterranean-style plantings, spaced 30-36 inches (75-90 cm) apart. The gray foliage and tiered flowers suit hot, dry schemes. It also grows in large containers in frost-prone areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from early to midsummer, roughly June through July, in tiered whorls of soft lilac-pink along the upper stems. Each stem opens several tiers in succession. The dried seed heads stand on the plant after bloom.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Gray-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun and poor, sharply drained soil, tolerating heat, wind, coastal salt, and drought once established. Water needs are low, and damp or heavy soil, especially over winter, rots the roots. It is hardy only in USDA zones 8 through 10 and is damaged or killed by hard frost, so colder areas grow it in containers under frost-free cover. Shade loosens the habit and dulls the gray foliage. Light pruning after bloom keeps the bush dense and compact. Lean soil and full sun hold the silver tone.Pruning
The bush is trimmed lightly after flowering to keep a compact, rounded shape, cutting within the leafy growth. Hard cuts into old bare wood regrow unreliably. Spent flower stems can be left for structure or removed once the seed heads brown.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons