Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem Sage
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Height
- 2 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Bright yellow
- Foliage color
- Gray-green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate (drought-tolerant)
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back stems by 1/3 after flowering; remove dead wood
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies
About this plant
Phlomis fruticosa, commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, is an evergreen shrub admired for its striking yellow flowers, aromatic foliage, and hardiness. Native to the Mediterranean, it thrives in dry, sunny conditions and adds texture and color to garden landscapes. Its bright yellow, tubular flowers bloom in whorls from late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies, making it ideal for pollinator-friendly gardens. The gray-green, lance-shaped leaves have a soft, velvety texture and release a pleasant scent when brushed.
Phlomis fruticosa prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor, rocky conditions and requiring low maintenance. This drought-tolerant plant is perfect for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens, serving as a focal point in borders or mixed shrub plantings. Its evergreen nature provides year-round structure and interest, and its flowers enhance the garden's ecological value.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Yucca · New Zealand flax · Ice plant · Red hot poker · Crocosmias · Smoke bush
Design tip
Use Jerusalem sage in broad, informal groups to emphasize its repeated tiers of yellow flowers and create a stronger seasonal display. Allow its natural form to remain somewhat loose so the distinctive whorled flowers and soft, textured foliage retain their architectural character.
