Jerusalem sage is a sun-loving Mediterranean shrub that brings architectural interest and cheerful yellow blooms to zones 8-10. This evergreen perennial grows 2 to 4 feet tall and equally wide, producing distinctive spherical clusters of bright yellow flowers from June through August. The wrinkled, gray-green leaves resemble sage foliage but lack the culinary herb's aroma, creating a striking textural contrast against the showy flower whorls. Native to the Mediterranean region, Phlomis fruticosa thrives in well-drained soils and tolerates dry conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for water-conscious gardeners.
Partial Sun
Moderate
8-10
48in H x 60in W
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High
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The real draw here is the architectural quality of the blooms: yellow flowers arranged in perfect spherical clusters that radiate outward along the stems like little pompoms. The silvery-gray, heavily wrinkled foliage creates a soft, mounding form that looks beautiful even when the plant isn't flowering. In zones 8-10, it remains evergreen through winter, delivering year-round structure to the garden. The plant is bulletproof when it comes to pests and diseases, asking little more than good drainage and sun.
Jerusalem sage is grown almost exclusively as an ornamental shrub for its visual impact in the landscape. The spherical yellow flower clusters make stunning focal points in sunny borders, while the silvery foliage provides a cooling contrast to hot-colored perennials. In Mediterranean-themed gardens, it functions as a structural plant that bridges the gap between herbaceous perennials and woody shrubs, softening hardscape edges and creating movement through the design.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Cut stems back after flowering to promote additional bloom and maintain the plant's mounding form. This light pruning encourages bushier growth and extends the flowering season into late summer.
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“Phlomis fruticosa hails from the Mediterranean basin, where it evolved in the dry, sun-baked hills of that ancient region. As a member of the Lamiaceae family (the mint clan), it shares ancestry with culinary herbs like oregano and thyme, though Jerusalem sage itself offers no flavor contribution. The plant entered European cultivation centuries ago, traveling north from its native habitat as gardeners recognized its ornamental value and toughness. Today it remains a cornerstone of Mediterranean-style gardens, carrying the dryness and light of its homeland into temperate climates.”