Phlomis purpurea – A Majestic Mediterranean Beauty with Bold Purple Blooms
Phlomis purpurea, commonly known as Purple Jerusalem Sage, is a striking perennial that adds drama and color to any garden. With its unique architectural form, soft silvery-green foliage, and vibrant purple flowers, this Mediterranean native brings a touch of the exotic to your landscape. Reaching a height of up to 70cm, Phlomis purpurea makes a fantastic focal point, blooming in late spring to summer and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Known for its resilience and drought tolerance, this hardy plant thrives in sunny, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for both dry gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.
Why Grow Phlomis purpurea?
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Vibrant Purple Flowers – The plant’s distinctive purple tubular flowers bloom in whorls along its upright stems, creating an eye-catching display that lasts from late spring through summer.
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Architectural Form – The unique arrangement of the flowers and the sturdy, upright stems create a sculptural effect, making it a fantastic addition to contemporary gardens, Mediterranean-style landscapes, or cottage gardens.
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Drought Tolerant – Once established, Phlomis purpurea is exceptionally drought-tolerant, making it an ideal plant for water-wise gardens or xeriscaping.
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Pollinator-Friendly – The bright purple blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, contributing to a vibrant, eco-friendly garden.
Height and Size of Phlomis purpurea
Phlomis purpurea typically grows to a height of around 70cm. Its bushy, upright form and clustered flowers create a bold, yet balanced presence in the garden, making it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as a striking focal point.
Where to Site Your Phlomis purpurea
This versatile perennial thrives in:
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Full Sun – Phlomis purpurea loves sunny spots and flourishes in direct sunlight, where it will grow best and produce its most vibrant blooms.
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Well-Drained, Dry Gardens – Ideal for dry, well-drained soils, this plant is perfect for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-inspired gardens.
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Borders and Edges – Use Phlomis purpurea along garden borders or as part of a mixed border where its bold form and striking flowers can stand out.
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Pollinator Gardens – Its long-lasting flowers make it a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to any pollinator-friendly garden.
How to Grow and Care for Your Phlomis purpurea
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Soil – Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and tolerates poor soil conditions. It thrives in slightly alkaline soils but can adapt to a variety of soil types as long as drainage is good.
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Light – Thrives in full sun, which encourages the best flower production and vibrant foliage.
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Watering – Water regularly during the initial growing period, but once established, Phlomis purpurea is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
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Pruning – Cut back spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth. Prune back in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and promote a healthy structure.
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Mulching – Apply mulch around the base to help retain moisture in the soil and protect the roots from extreme temperatures, especially in hot climates.
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Pest & Disease Resistance – Generally resistant to pests and diseases, though it may occasionally experience aphid infestations or fungal issues in humid conditions. Regular care can help prevent these problems.
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Cold Hardy – Phlomis purpurea is relatively hardy, able to withstand light frosts, and can survive in moderate winter temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Phlomis purpurea pairs beautifully with plants that enhance its striking form and vibrant color, such as:
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Ornamental Grasses – Combine with grasses like fountain grass or blue fescue for contrast and texture that complements the plant’s upright shape.
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Lavender & Other Mediterranean Plants – Pair with lavender, rosemary, or thyme to create a Mediterranean-inspired garden that thrives in dry conditions.
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Bright Perennials – The purple blooms of Phlomis purpurea look stunning against the warm hues of plants like rudbeckia, echinacea, or marigolds.
Whether used as a bold specimen, a component of a Mediterranean garden, or as part of a pollinator-friendly landscape, Phlomis purpurea brings a unique combination of beauty, fragrance, and resilience to any space. Its vibrant purple blooms, drought tolerance, and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable and stunning addition to your garden year after year.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
