Species Jerusalem sage
clusters of bright-yellow, tubular flowers with gray-green stems, and velvety dark-green, deltoid leaves

Jerusalem sage

Phlomis fruticosa

Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is a striking species of flowering semi-evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. It has clusters of yellow-green showy flowers during the summer and creamy grey-green textured leaves. It can reach up to 4 feet in height and is perfect for summer borders and containers. Its long flowering period makes it a good companion to other flowers like roses and lavender. Jerusalem Sage is drought-tolerant and easy to care for, requiring very little maintenance after initial establishment. It can thrive in a wide range of soil conditions and is adaptable to full sun and partial shade locations. Pruning helps keep its growth in check and its foliage neat and tidy.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Jerusalem Sage should be watered taking into account the area's climate and your soil type. During periods of extreme heat or drought, water more often, about every 3 to 4 days. In colder climates and during milder weather, water when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. Aim for soil that remains evenly moist, but not overly wet. You should also reduce watering during winter months as this is when the plant may go dormant and won’t require as much moisture.

sunlight

Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is a drought-tolerant shrub that prefers full sun in order to perform its best. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day during the growing season. If it doesn't receive enough sunlight, the foliage will thin and the plant won't produce as many flowers. The best time to provide light for Jerusalem sage is from mid-morning to early evening, when the strongest sunlight is typically available.

pruning

Jerusalem sage does not require frequent pruning, making it a very low-maintenance plant. Pruning should occur in the spring, focusing mainly on removing any dead or damaged branches. Prune back the tips of the branches for a bushier form, and to help the plant flower. Additionally, any stems that have flopped over should be propped up and secured. Make sure you don’t prune more than 1/3 of the plant at a time as this could damage the plant. Lastly, pruning during the late summer or fall may prevent the plant from flowering the following spring.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Phlomis fruticosa typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Phlomis fruticosa typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map