Also known as Jerusalem Sage · 202 saves
Phlomis
Phlomis, the genus most gardeners know as jerusalem sage. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 10 most-saved Phlomis varieties
5 species of Phlomis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Phlomis in Sow
Save the Phlomis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Phlomis
Whats common across all Phlomis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Phlomis year
- PruneFebruary70% of varieties
Shear lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, mounding shape
- Spring CleanupFebruary50% of varieties
Cut back old, spent flower stalks to the basal foliage before new growth starts.
- DivideMarch and September40% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-5 years in early spring or early fall.
- MulchMarch30% of varieties
Apply a thin layer of compost or mulch in spring.
- PlantMarch and September30% of varieties
Plant in well-draining soil in spring or fall
- PropagateJuly30% of varieties
Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- DeadheadJuly and August30% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes to maintain a tidy appearance and prolong bloom.
Do
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Phlomis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with miticide |
| Root rot | Wilting despite watering | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Phlomis
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in well-draining soil and mist daily
- Roots develop in 4-6 weeks
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist for 6 weeks
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks
Phlomis questions
How many types of Phlomis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Phlomis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 202 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Phlomis grow in?
Across its varieties, Phlomis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Phlomis bloom?
Most Phlomis varieties bloom in late spring to summer, late spring to early summer, late spring to summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Phlomis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.