How to Grow and Care for Jerusalem sage

Shrubby jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is a fast-growing semi-woody evergreen that grows from 91 to 122 cm tall. Beautiful clusters of bright yellow blossoms appear late spring to early summer attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. This drought-tolerant plant prefers full sun to partial shade.

Purple jerusalem sage (Phlomis purpurea) is an arid-loving wildflower that has a clumping nature, making it ideal for rockeries, containers, and flower beds, especially in Mediterranean-style gardens or areas subject to drought. This plant has wooly leaves that repel deer, so it is a good species to grow in gardens that are grazed by them.

You're most likely to see lampwickplant (Phlomis lychnitis) during spring when its bright yellow flowers are in bloom. This Iberian inhabitant thrives in arid, rocky habitats, and so is well-suited to growing in the rock gardens of Mediterranean-style gardens. This plant is much-loved by leafhoppers, who eat its leaves.

The striking reveal of hooded lilac blooms within the summer months explains iranian jerusalem sage's vast popularity. Its sage-like leaves also draw attention. Iranian jerusalem sage is an ornamental plant frequently planted in beds, borders, cottages, and Mediterranean gardens.

Growing to 1 m tall, it is a herbaceous perennial with hairy, erect stems. The textured, grey-green, sage-like leaves are arrow shaped, and point downwards. In summer, whorls of green buds develop in the leaf axils at regular intervals up each vertical stem, giving a distinctive tiered effect. The buds open to globose clusters of dull yellow hooded flowers.