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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Phlomis samia

Greek Jerusalem Sage

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.