Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana)
Discover Phlomis russeliana (Turkish sage), a low-maintenance perennial producing showy pale yellow flowers from June to September.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Phlomis russeliana, widely recognized as Turkish sage, is a hardy, upright herbaceous perennial valued for its architectural presence and extended bloom time. Native to Turkey, this member of the mint family brings bold texture to the garden long before and long after it flowers. Its resistance to deer browsing and its tolerance for dry conditions make Phlomis russeliana a reliable choice for challenging sunny spots.
The structure of Turkish sage is highly appealing, featuring large, rough-textured, gray-green basal leaves forming substantial mounds. Tall, columnar stems rise above this foliage, bearing whorls of unique, pale yellow, hooded flowers throughout the summer months. These flower spikes mature into attractive, persistent seed heads, providing essential late-season interest.
This perennial spreads moderately via rhizomes, establishing quickly without becoming aggressive, thus forming an effective weed-suppressing ground cover once established. For gardeners seeking dependable structure and low upkeep in full sun exposures, Phlomis russeliana presents an excellent textural and color contrast.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Turkey
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Pale yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best planting time for establishing Phlomis russeliana is typically spring or early fall, allowing the root system to establish before extreme weather. Ensure your chosen location provides full sun, although this Turkish sage tolerates light shade, especially in hotter climates. The soil must be well-drained; the plant prefers organically rich, fertile soil but excels in sandy compositions where moisture does not linger.
Once established, this drought-tolerant perennial requires minimal water input. While it handles true dry conditions well in cooler summers, supplemental watering is appreciated during prolonged hot, dry spells. Critically, avoid wet or poorly drained soils year-round, as saturated conditions can lead to root issues. No regular fertilization is typically necessary if the base soil is reasonably fertile.
Maintenance for this robust perennial is low. Deadheading the spent flower stalks can be done in late fall or left standing for winter interest provided by the ornamental seed heads. Cut the entire clump back hard to the ground in early spring before new growth begins to emerge. The quick rhizomatous spread of Phlomis russeliana naturally helps suppress competitive weeds in its area.
Landscape Uses
Due to its upright, architectural habit, Phlomis russeliana is prized as an excellent vertical flowering plant suitable for dry, sunny areas where structure is needed. It performs beautifully when used to add vertical accents in mixed perennial borders or when naturalized across meadow plantings where its tough nature can truly shine. Many gardeners utilize Turkish sage in looser, informal settings like cottage gardens or wild gardens, allowing its texture to blend naturally.
Its height, reaching up to 3 feet while remaining relatively narrow, makes it perfect for placement towards the middle or back of a border, providing a sturdy backdrop for lower-growing, mounding plants. Consider pairing it with fine-textured grasses or silver-leafed companions that appreciate similar dry soil conditions. The pale yellow blooms offer excellent contrast against blues and purples planted nearby.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Phlomis russeliana, commonly called Turkish sage or Jerusalem sage, is an upright herbaceous perennial of the mint family that is native to open woods and clearings in Turkey and Syria. Bold, rough-textured, aromatic, sage-like, gray-green basal leaves form large basal clumps, from which flowering stems rise well above the foliage. The flowers, which give way to ornamental seed heads, make great material for dry arrangements, adding significant late-season appeal.
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Turkish sage generally exhibits excellent pest and disease resistance. Gardeners should note that the most common issue arises from culture, specifically overly wet soil conditions, which can stress the roots. Ensuring excellent drainage is the primary preventative measure against most cultural issues. No serious insect or disease problems are typically reported for Phlomis russeliana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Turkish sage suitable for?
Phlomis russeliana is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Phlomis russeliana grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Turkish sage need?
Phlomis russeliana performs best in full sun, although it will tolerate light shade.
When does Phlomis russeliana bloom?
This plant produces its characteristic pale yellow flowers throughout the summer, typically blooming from June to September.
Conclusion
The combination of drought tolerance, deer resistance, and architectural interest ensures that Phlomis russeliana remains a valuable element in low-maintenance perennial gardens. This reliable Turkish sage offers striking vertical lines and summer interest without demanding constant attention. Before planting, confirm your soil drains effectively and verify that your location falls within USDA Zones 5-9 for best results with this handsome perennial.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for Phlomis russeliana, focus on plants that also thrive in full sun and have similar relatively dry water needs once established. Good companions include Ornamental Grasses such as Stipa tenuissima or other drought-tolerant perennials like Lavender (Lavandula) or Yarrow (Achillea), particularly varieties with blue or purple blooms to contrast the pale yellow flower whorls. Avoid moisture-loving plants near Turkish sage, as consistent wet feet are detrimental to its health.
Design Ideas for Dry Sunny Borders
The upright habit of Phlomis russeliana makes it a superb “thriller” component in dry garden schemes. Use taller groupings of Turkish sage as a structural backbone in a sunny border, allowing shorter, cascading plants near the front to soften the basal foliage mound. Consider pairing the architectural leaves with the finer texture of Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or the silvery foliage of Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) to play up the textural differences inherent in this handsome plant.
