Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Phlomis samia
Greek Jerusalem Sage
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- Reaches 3-4 feet tall
- Width
- Spreads about 3-4 feet wide
- Flower color
- Mauve, arranged in whorls along the stem
- Foliage color
- Green, large, textured leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune back lightly after blooming
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 7-10
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Phlomis samia is a distinctive perennial native to Greece and Turkey, recognized for its whorls of mauve-pink flowers and lush green foliage. Its textured leaves form a dense, verdant base, adding color and structure to Mediterranean-style or xeric gardens. Thriving in rocky and dry soils, this plant is well-suited to hot, sunny locations, where its hardy, resilient foliage provides year-round interest.
Blooming from late spring into early summer, Phlomis samia sends up tall stems adorned with rings of soft mauve-pink tubular flowers. These unique blooms attract bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden with movement and subtle color. With its distinct form and pollinator-friendly flowers, Phlomis samia brings elegance and ecological value to borders, mixed beds, and naturalized garden areas.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
