Phlomis

Phlomis
A small genus of perennials and shrubs that are part of the larger Labiatae family.
They prefer full sun on light, very well drained soil that is preferrably somewhat dry during summer.
Drought tolerant and deer resistent. Propagation is from either softwood cuttings taken during summer or seed sown in autumn. Clumps can be divided during autumn or early spring.

Phlomis cashmeriana ( Kashmir Sage )
A woody based, shrubby perennial, reaching up to 4 x 2 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, native from Kashmir into the western Himalayas. It makes a great architectural focal point for hot sunny urban gardens, parking lot islands and house foundations. Looks great mixed with ornamental grasses.
The attractive hairy foliage is silvery at first, turning to gray-green.
The showy, lilac-purple flowers are borne on whorled clusters during summer.
The stems are white and felted.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in sun or shade on well drained soil. Very heat, drought and clay tolerant. Rarely bothered by pests or disease. Cut back after blooming but make sure to leave the very attractive foliage. Cut back hard during early spring before growth begins.
Propagation is from seed or cuttings taken during early summer.

Phlomis chrysophylla
An erect, small, shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 4 feet, that is native to Lebanaon.
The broad-oval leaves, up to 2.5 inches in length, are gold-felted at first, turning to yellowish-gray.
The bright yellow flowers are borne on whorls originating from the leaf axils during summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10

Phlomis fruticosa ( Jerusalem Sage )
An upright to spreading, evergreen shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 8 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, that is native to dry hillsides in the Mediterranean region. It tends to look a bit wild, thus not really fitting into a formal garden despite being an excellent foliage plant.
The wrinkled, oval leaves, up to 8 x 2 inches, are gray-green.
The aromatic foliage is furry.
The bright yellow flowers are borne in whorls, up to 2 inches across, around the shoots from early to mid summer.
The flowers are whorled around the shoot tips.
The stems are square.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 ( shrub in zones 8 & 9, perennial in zone 6 & 7, requires protected site in 4 & 5 ) in full sun on dry, well drained soil, preferring a site protected from excessive wind. Tolerant of salt winds and sand, making it an excellent landscape plant for the seashore. Excessive moisture during winter and spring can rot and kill a plant. Deadheading will extend the flowering season.
During autumn, cut plants back by half to encourage compact and dense habit, during early spring remove freeze damaged wood.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* historic archive photo

'Edward Bowles'
Larger foliage is green.

Phlomis italica
An upright, evergreen shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 2 feet, that is native to the Balearic Islands.
The oblong leaves are very woolly, gray-green.
The 2-lipped, bright lilac-pink flowers are borne in whorls at the shoot tips during mid summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10 in full sun on dry, light to sandy, very well drained soil.

* photo taken on Aug 24 2017 @ U.S. Botanic Garden, Wash. DC.

Phlomis lycia
A small shrub, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 4 feet, that is native to Turkey.
The shallow-toothed leaves, up to 2 inches in length, are gray-felted.
The yellow flowers, up to 1 inch in length, are borne in whorls of 6 to 12.
Each flower spikes contains 1 or 2 of these whorls.
The stems including the flower spikes are downy.
Hardy zones 8 to 10

Phlomis purpurea
A perennial, reaching up to 6.5 feet.

Phlomis russeliana ( Greek Jerusalem Sage )
Also called Phlomis samia. It is a shrubby perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, that is native to the mountains of western Syria and Turkey.
The large, heart-shaped leaves, up to 8 x 6 inches, are hairy and olive-green.
The soft yellow flowers, up to 1.5 inches, are borne in whorls during early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( tolerating as low as -4 F ) as a shrub, zones 4 to 6 as a perennial, thriving in full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant, tough and easily grown.

* historical archive photo

Phlomis samia
A vigorous, herbaceous, clumping perennial, reaching up to 6 x 3.3 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, that is native to southeast Europe ( from southern Yugoslavia; south to Greece and Turkey ).
The heart-shaped leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The yellowish flowers, up to 1.5 inches long, are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 8 to 10

Phlomis tuberosa
A tuberous rooted, erect, herbaceous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 7 x 8 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, that is native to grasslands from central Europe to western Asia.
The tubers resemble that of Potatoes in appearance.
The coarse, cordate, ovate leaves, up to 10 inches in length, are dull green.
The pink flowers are borne all summer long.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun on just about any well drained soil.

* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

* historic archive photo

'Amazone'
The low mound of deep green foliage is topped by tall spikes, up to 4 feet, of rosy-pink flowers.