The Story
Plant Bio
Phlomis russeliana, commonly known as Turkish sage, is a hardy perennial that features whorls of yellow tubular flowers and attractive gray-green foliage.
Notable for its drought resistance, ability to thrive in poor soils, and architectural seed heads that provide winter interest. Its large basal leaves form a dense, weed-suppressing groundcover.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Turkey, Syria
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged for 6 weeks.
- Mist cuttings to maintain humidity during propagation.
- Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy, typically after 1 year.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote growth.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and full sun for best flowering and health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for at least 6 hours daily 🌞
- Ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Never plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
- Don’t neglect to remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Turkish sage questions
What zones can Turkish sage grow in?
Turkish sage is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Turkish sage deer resistant?
Yes — Turkish sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Turkish sage bloom?
Turkish sage typically blooms in late spring to summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Turkish sage need full sun?
Turkish sage does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Turkish sage drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Turkish sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Phlomis to compare
Jerusalem sage
Phlomis fruticosa
Tuberous Jerusalem Sage
Phlomis tuberosa
Cashmere Phlomis
Phlomis cashmeriana
Jerusalem Sage Miss Grace
Phlomis fruticosa 'Miss Grace'
Purple Phlomis
Phlomis purpurea
Sticky Jerusalem Sage
Phlomis viscosa
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Turkish sage with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.