Jerusalem sage herb

Originates from the Mediterranean region but is now cultivated widely as a garden plant. The generic name, Phlomis, was used by Dioscorides, a Greek physician in the first century whose Materia Medica, was the standard reference on the medical application of plants for over 1,500 years.

Species

Phlomis fruticosa

Jerusalem sage

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht and spread 1.2m (4ft). Whorls of hooded yellow flowers in summer. Grey/ green oblongish leaves slightly wrinkled.

Phlomis italica

Narrow-leafed Jerusalem sage

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 90cm (36in), spread 75cm (30in). Whorls of lilac pink flowers in mid-summer, borne at the ends of shoots amid narrow, woolly, grey/ green leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seeds

Sow the medium-size seed in the autumn either into seed or plug trays and cover with a thin layer of compost. Winter in a cold greenhouse or cold frame. Does not need stratification nor heat, just cool temperature. Germination is erratic. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into pots using the bark, grit, peat mix of compost. Plant the young plants into the garden when there is no threat of frosts.

Cuttings

Take soft wood cuttings in summer from non-flowering shoots; they root easily. Division If an established plant has taken over its neighbour’s spot, dig up and divides it in the spring; re-plant into a prepared site.

Division

If an established plant has taken over its neighbor’s spot, dig up and divide it in the spring; re-plant into a prepared site.

Pests and Diseases

In the majority of cases, this is free from pests and disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Divide established plants if need be.

Summer: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Autumn: Sow seeds.

Winter: Protect outside plants if the winter temperature is persistently below -5°C (23°F).

Garden cultivation

Jerusalem Sage is an attractive plant, making a fine mound of grey-furred leaves, proof against all but the most severe winter. A prolific summer flowerer, happy in a dry, well-drained, sunny spot. Cut back each year after flowering (late summer) and you will be able to control and maintain its soft grey dome all year round. Do not trim in the autumn as any frost will damage and in some cases kill the plant.

Harvest

Pick leaves for drying before planting flowers.

Other uses

The attractive, slightly aromatic leaves are a good addition to a potpourri.

Container growing

Jerusalem Sage is happy if grown in a large container using soil based compost. Be mean on the feeding and watering as it is a drought-loving plant. Trim back especially after flowering to restrict its rampant growth. Protect during the winter in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Keep watering to the absolute minimum.

Culinary

Although not listed amongst culinary herbs, the leaves are pleasantly aromatic. In Greece the leaves are collected from the hillside and, once dried and bundled together with other related species, are hung up for sale. The dried leaves can be used in stews and casseroles.