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Shrubby jerusalem sage
Also known as: Yellow Clary, French sage, Wild mullein
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.
Scientific classification
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1 m
Plant Height
1.5 m
Spread
Green, Gray, Silver
Leaf Color
5 cm to 8 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Copper
Fruit Color
Yellow
Flower Color
Green, Silver, Gray
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
15 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring, Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Shrubby jerusalem sage

Distribution of Shrubby jerusalem sage

Distribution Map
Shrubby jerusalem sage is indigenous to the Mediterranean region, thriving in its maquis and garigue habitats. Over time, shrubby jerusalem sage has been introduced and cultivated in temperate parts of Eurasia, which has led to a presence primarily across the Mediterranean basin and extending into parts of Eurasia. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in various settings beyond its original range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Dry cliffs and rocky places in limestone hills
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Shrubby jerusalem sage is a popular semi-evergreen shrub prized for its bright yellow flowers and green foliage. It is commonly used as a hedge or ornamental garden plant and is essential in Mediterranean gardens. Plant it with salvias, agave, olives, rosemary, Santolina, and rosemary for contrasting color and texture.
Interesting Facts
This popular ornamental shrub has earned the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. This little evergreen shrub produces leaves that resemble sage leaves, even though it is related to the mint family. It is hardy and tolerant of many different soil types.
Name Story
Jerusalem sage: It is a shrub that ranges natively from Turkey to Syria. Despite its name, it is actually closely related to mint. This misnomer comes from the appearance of its leaves that look similar to those of a sage plant. Therefore, it is called Jerusalem sage.
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Weed Control

Shrubby jerusalem sage hails from the eastern Mediterranean region, an environment that affords it traits beneficial for both garden growth and invasive tendencies. It's considered a weed due to its assertive self-seeding capability, spreading prolifically and dominating the garden it inhabits. Furthermore, its deep root system can make it a difficult weed to eradicate. This system not only provides the plant with resilience but can potentially interrupt the balance of your garden ecosystem by outcompeting and overshadowing other plant species. If you have chosen to cultivate shrubby jerusalem sage in your garden, it's critical to frequently monitor its growth, looking out for excessive spreading. Moreover, shrubby jerusalem sage's primary propagation method is through its seeds, making successful containment a task of diligent removal of its flowering heads before they go to seed.
How to Control It
To best manage shrubby jerusalem sage, removal or control efforts should take place in the late winter or early spring before the plant sets seed. Control is most effective at this stage to prevent spreading.
  1. Hand-pulling: Wear gloves and ensure to pull out the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mulching: Lay a thick layer of organic mulch around desired plants to suppress shrubby jerusalem sage growth.
  3. Mowing: Regularly mow the area to prevent shrubby jerusalem sage from flowering and setting seed.
  4. Strategic planting: Plant vigorous companion plants that can out-compete shrubby jerusalem sage for space and resources.
  5. Barrier methods: Install root barriers in the soil to control the spread of shrubby jerusalem sage's roots and limit its growth area.
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Quickly Identify Shrubby jerusalem sage

1
Lance-shaped, woolly-gray leaves with white undersides, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.
2
Radiant lemon-yellow flowers in distinct whorls on erect stems, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
3
Multi-stemmed, woody base transitioning to herbaceous, dense white-hairy stems, 0.4-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) diameter.
4
Golden yellow tubular flowers arranged in tiers with no fragrance, forming clusters of 20 blooms.
5
Small brown capsules less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) long, emerging in late summer to autumn season.
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Care Guide for Shrubby jerusalem sage

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
15 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Originating from the Mediterranean, shrubby jerusalem sage thrives in dry conditions with low water availability, requiring watering once every 1-2 weeks. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, making it suitable for outdoor growth. Mulching helps retain moisture during hot spells.
Fertilize: For optimal growth, shrubby jerusalem sage benefits from balanced N-P-K fertilizer in spring and midsummer. Use a high-nitrogen formula during growth, but avoid over-fertilization. Reduce feeding in dormancy, and apply slow-release granules to prevent root burn, following label instructions for quantity.
Pruning: Shrubby jerusalem sage is a dense, woody perennial with aromatic, grey-green leaves and bright yellow flowers. Prune in late spring, removing dead stems and trimming one-third to enhance bushiness and flowering. Regular maintenance ensures vitality, making shrubby jerusalem sage an attractive addition to the garden.
Propagation: Propagation of shrubby jerusalem sage is best achieved via cuttings in spring and summer. It is moderately easy, with new growth and leaf formation indicating success. Ensure cuttings are placed in well-drained conditions to prevent rot.
Repotting: Repot shrubby jerusalem sage every 2-3 years in spring using slightly larger pots for root growth. Ensure well-draining soil and regular watering post-repotting. While shrubby jerusalem sage is hardy, proper pot size and timing are crucial for optimal growth.
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