Jerusalem Sage Care
Phlomis fruticosa
An evergreen shrub, also known as Jerusalem sage, striking for its woolly, gray-green leaves and bright yellow flower whorls that open in summer. It is extremely tolerant of drought and heat; it loves full sun and poor, very well-drained calcareous soils. A popular choice for dry landscapes.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Not required; winter precipitation is sufficient.
- Fertilizing: Not needed; it should not be given.
- Pruning: Not needed. Wait until late spring or early summer for pruning.
- Plant protection: Not required, naturally hardy.
- General care: Dormancy period. Its gray leaves are decorative in winter too.
- Pests & diseases: To prevent root rot, make sure the soil does not hold water.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
- General care: Toward the end of the month, new growth may begin.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
- Watering: Water only newly planted seedlings (10 L/week if there is no rain).
- Fertilizing: It must absolutely not be given.
- General care: New shoots lengthen. A suitable time for planting new plants.
- Frost risk: Young shoots are rarely affected by severe late frosts.
- Watering: Not needed for young saplings.
- General care: Flower buds begin to form.
- General care: Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm, and keep the root collar above the surrounding soil level.
- Pests & diseases: Spittlebugs may be encountered; they are generally harmless.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Pruning: After flowering, cut the spent flower stalks back by half to keep the plant more compact and tidy. This is the main pruning time.
- General care: Flowering continues.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- Pruning: Prune as soon as flowering ends. Next year's flower buds form over the summer; late pruning reduces flowering.
- General care: It shows full tolerance to the hottest and driest conditions.
- Watering: In midsummer, deep watering every 15-20 days is enough. Established plants (over 2 years old) do not need watering in most years. Water the area around the roots to a depth of 15-20 cm.
- General care: Dried seed heads provide a decorative look throughout winter and can be left uncut.
- Watering: In a long drought, water deeply once a month.
- Fertilizing: It must absolutely not be given.
- General care: A good time for propagation by semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds can be collected.
- Pests & diseases: Root rot is the only serious risk in poorly drained soils.
- Watering: Usually not required; autumn rains are starting.
- General care: A suitable time for planting new plants.
- General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
- General care: Evergreen leaves continue to lose water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
- Frost risk: In hard and prolonged frosts, cover the root zone with mulch or dry leaves; also protect young plants. It is damaged below about -15 °C.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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