perennial

Italian Jerusalem Sage

Phlomis italica 'Frisco'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Western Mediterranean

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

An evergreen sub-shrub with woolly, grey-green, sage-like leaves. Whorls of hooded, soft pink to lilac flowers appear on upright stems in late spring and summer. Valued for its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and architectural flower spikes that remain attractive even after the flowers fade. Its soft, felted leaves add textural interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking purple flowers and textured foliage, perfect for borders and containers.

Drought-tolerant with low water needs, reducing maintenance.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in spring
Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Prune back after flowering to encourage bushiness

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer

Don't

Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
Use heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
Neglect pruning after bloom ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sandy-scented borderDrought-tolerant herbaceous bedGray-foliaged accent

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Sedum Echinacea Russian Sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Italian Jerusalem Sage questions

What zones can Italian Jerusalem Sage grow in?

Italian Jerusalem Sage is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Italian Jerusalem Sage deer resistant?

Yes — Italian Jerusalem Sage is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Italian Jerusalem Sage bloom?

Italian Jerusalem Sage typically blooms in late spring through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Italian Jerusalem Sage need full sun?

Italian Jerusalem Sage does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Italian Jerusalem Sage drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Italian Jerusalem Sage handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.