Lamiaceae
Jerusalem sage: Aromatic Plant
Phlomis
Grow Phlomis in full sun with well-draining soil. Water regularly until established, then only during prolonged drought. Cut back spent flower spikes and leggy growth in early spring to keep plants compact.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Jerusalem sage?
Jerusalem sage (Phlomis) is a easy-care plant from the Lamiaceae family. Phlomis is a genus of roughly 100 evergreen to deciduous subshrubs and perennials native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Plants form mounds of wrinkled, woolly gray-green leaves topped by tiered whorls of hooded yellow or pink flowers held on upright spikes f...
Jerusalem sage grows up to 1.2m, spread of 150cm, watering every 14 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Jerusalem sage tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Jerusalem sage is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Jerusalem sage?
TLDR: Jerusalem sage needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Jerusalem sage?
Water deeply but infrequently; allow soil to dry out between waterings. Established plants are drought-tolerant and rarely need supplemental water outside of dry spells.
How Much Light Does Jerusalem sage Need?
Needs full sun (6+ hours of direct light) for the best flowering and compact habit; in shade the stems become leggy and sparse.
What Is the Best Soil for Jerusalem sage?
Thrives in average to poor, well-draining soil, including sandy or gravelly ground; wide pH tolerance from mildly acidic to alkaline, but soggy soil causes root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Jerusalem sage and Where Does It Come From?
Phlomis is a genus of roughly 100 evergreen to deciduous subshrubs and perennials native to the Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Plants form mounds of wrinkled, woolly gray-green leaves topped by tiered whorls of hooded yellow or pink flowers held on upright spikes from late spring through summer. Highly drought-tolerant once established, Phlomis is prized for xeriscaping, cottage gardens, and pollinator borders.
How Big Does Jerusalem sage Grow?
TLDR: Jerusalem sage can reach up to 1.2m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
1.5m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Jerusalem sage?
TLDR: Jerusalem sage is susceptible to 5 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
