You might have heard of Jerusalem sage or Turkish sage, an umbrella term that encompasses several simiar species, but chances are you don’t grow it. That’s rather a shame because while these plants are originally from Eurasia, several varieties thrive here with interesting histories and useful, attractive forms in the garden.
Let me introduce you.
Not technically a “sage” at all, phlomis is a genus of about 100 species belonging to the mint family. In fact, the flowers remind me of monarda. The reference to sage comes from the felted leaves of several cultivars, which do resemble true culinary sage.
Confusingly some species look alike, which makes for unreliable nomenclature, not to mention tricky field identification. Indeed, I found no less than four species all claiming to be Jerusalem sage, Turkish sage, or both! So be sure to check the full Latin name on any plants you buy.
Most of the Phlomis genus is native to Turkey, Syria, Greece, Italy, the former Yugoslavia and parts of southwest Asia. A few originated in the Himalayas. In ancient times they were grown as a seasoning for meats and stuffings. Some species are still sold in open air markets as a fresh herb. Today, phlomis is best appreciated for its ornamental value.
Trouble-free and drought tolerant, these are tough plants that thrive on neglect. Two varieties are relatively easy to find in the US: P. russeliana and a newer pink cultivar named Amazone.
- P. russeliana flowers from July to September, forming a basal clump of arrow-shaped leaves, with small hooded flowers clustered in tight whorls around erect 24″ stems. The color is a soft butter yellow that blends with everything. Give it full sun.
- P. x Edward Bowles is a cross between russeliana and fruticosa. Hardy to zone 4, it has sage-like leaves with two-tone yellow blooms on 10-inch stems. It flowers June to October, perhaps the longest of any phlomis available. A simply lovely selection.
- P. tuberosa ‘Amazone’ is a new introduction with taller, soft lavender-pink blooms and a robust habit. Fully hardy to zone 6, it shrugs off heat and drought and comes through our winters just fine provided it has good drainage. I grow this 30″ cultivar in mostly sun, but it tolerates some light shade too. The dried seedheads make an interesting textural statement when left on. (Slugs adore the smooth medium green leaves, however, so you might want to control for them.) Plant this cultivar for its habit, not the foliage.
Amazone blooms early, starting in May but is over by July. In my garden it is next to Arkansas bluestar (amsonia hubrictii) which blooms around the same time. It contributes statuesque height by way of its dried seedheads if left on. It does not reseed, thankfully, at least not for me.
Another rugged choice is P. cashmeriana, obviously from the Himalayas. This hardy species tops out at 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide at the base, with foot-long (!) felted leaves and lavender tubular flowers. Pollinators love it. I might try this one if I can find room. Very pretty!
A few other species are available if you want to seek them out (Digging Dog Nursery in California may have them) but please note, most are not hardy in zone 6 and should be treated as annuals. I can’t vouch for any of them. I would give these xeric lovers full sun and sharp drainage.
Perhaps try them in large pots and protect from heavy downpours, just to be safe.
Wooly or pygmy sage might be a good one to try in a pot or a rock garden, topping out at just 18 inches tall. It’s a particularly nice shade of golden yellow, and the foliage is fuzzy light green rather than silvery.
So now you know what Jerusalem sage looks like. Mix it with salvias, sun loving herbs, monarda, echinacea, amsonia, catmints and the like. A new addition that’s sure to grow on you.
