Care of the shrub Phlomis purpurea or Purple Jerusalem Sage |
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The genus Phlomis, family Lamiaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Phlomis purpurea, Phlomis maroccana, Phlomis lycia, Phlomis lanata, Phlomis fruticosa, Phlomis cypria, Phlomis chrysophylla, Phlomis italica, Phlomis russeliana, Phlomis samia, Phlomis lychnitis, Phlomis viscosa. Common names: Purple Jerusalem Sage, Purple Phlomis. This species is native to North Africa and the south of the Iberian Peninsula. They are fast-growing evergreen shrubs with highly branched, quadrangular section stems that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. They have lanceolate leaves, velvety in texture and dark green on the upper surface and whitish on the underside. The attractive cockscomb-shaped flowers are purple or white in color and appear in whorls. They bloom from late spring to mid-summer. They are used in dry, low-maintenance areas of the garden, on rockeries, on borders, in hedges and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Phlomis purpurea needs full sun exposure and high temperatures. They resist occasional frosts. They grow in poor, stony, alkaline soils or in a well-drained garden substrate. They are very resistant to drought; water occasionally in spring and summer. They do not need special fertilizers. In early spring, prune the branches that are too long to keep them compact. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated by stem cuttings in late summer or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Phlomis purpurea or Purple Jerusalem Sage |
 Phlomis purpurea  Phlomis purpurea |