Species sage-leaf mullein
Lavender flower with white hair, beige anthers, green-burgundy stems dark-green sepal and leaves

sage-leaf mullein

Phlomis tuberosa

Sage-leaf mullein (Phlomis tuberosa) is a flowering perennial from the mint family. This plant has distinctive grey-green fuzzy foliage and small yellow blooms that appear in late spring and last until mid-summer. It is a drought-tolerant species that thrives in areas with full or part sun exposure and well-draining soil. It is an excellent choice for drought-tolerant gardens, xeric landscapes, butterfly gardens, and Mediterranean-style garden designs. Sage-leaf mullein is a beautiful addition to any outdoor space and can be enjoyed as a cut flower or dried for further use.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Lavender-pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

For Sage-leaf Mullein (Phlomis tuberosa) to flourish, it is important to properly care for it. Water should be applied deeply and slowly once every 7-10 days. Watering the root zone thoroughly can help the plant to tap into its deep root system, and it should be done early in the day so the foliage can dry out before nightfall. Mulch can also help to retain soil moisture, and should always be applied after watering. During dry spells, ensure that the plant receives adequate moisture by adding an additional deep watering. The soil should remain slightly damp between waterings.

sunlight

Native to rocky hillsides of the Mediterranean, Sage-leaf Mullein thrives in dry, sunny conditions. In order to maximize its growth potential, this plant species should be placed in full sun – meaning that it should receive adequate sunlight for 6 to 8 hours every day. If the Sage-leaf Mullein is exposed to too much shade, flowering will be reduced. It is best to plant this species in late spring to early summer so that it will be exposed to the most sunshine and warm temperatures.

pruning

Sage-leaf Mullein (Phlomis tuberosa) should be pruned early in the spring or late in the summer, before the new growth begins. Prune away any dead or weak stems and remove any spent flowers. Pruning should be done sparingly, as the plant produces its colourful flowers and attractive silvery-green foliage on stems that were produced the previous year. Trim any stems that are crossing or extremely unruly to keep the plant neat. Don't prune more than 1 third of the plant as this could damage it.

Season

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

Phlomis tuberosa typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map