Phlomis fruticosa Bourgaie 5 Litre Pot

Phlomis fruticosa ‘Bourgaei’ – An Architectural Evergreen with Yellow Flowers

Phlomis fruticosa ‘Bourgaei’ is a bold, evergreen shrub prized for its striking silvery foliage and distinctive yellow flowers. With its upright, bushy habit and strong architectural presence, it is an excellent choice for sunny borders, Mediterranean-style gardens, and dry planting schemes.

This tough, drought-tolerant shrub thrives in warm, well-drained conditions, providing year-round structure and reliable summer interest with minimal maintenance.

Why Grow Phlomis fruticosa ‘Bourgaei’?

Soft Yellow Flowers

From late spring into summer, ‘Bourgaei’ produces tiers of soft, butter-yellow, hooded flowers arranged in attractive whorls along upright stems. These blooms are rich in nectar and highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Strong, Upright Growth Habit

This variety forms a well-branched, upright shrub with a naturally tidy shape, typically reaching 1–1.5 m tall and wide. Its robust structure makes it ideal as a focal point or backdrop plant in sunny borders.

Evergreen Silvery Foliage

The large, felted leaves are a distinctive grey-green to silvery colour, reflecting light beautifully and providing excellent contrast with greener plants. The foliage remains attractive throughout the year, even when the plant is not in flower.

Hardy and Drought Tolerant

Phlomis fruticosa ‘Bourgaei’ is well adapted to dry, sunny conditions and poor soils. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and resilient, making it ideal for low-maintenance and coastal gardens.

Height and Spread

Typically grows 1–1.5 m in height, with a similar spread. Ideal for sunny borders, gravel gardens, or as a structural shrub in mixed planting schemes.

Where to Site Your Phlomis fruticosa ‘Bourgaei’

• Sunny borders, where its silvery foliage and yellow flowers stand out

• Mediterranean or gravel gardens, paired with drought-tolerant plants

• Coastal and exposed gardens, thanks to its resilience

• Wildlife-friendly planting, attracting pollinators

How to Grow and Care

Soil

Prefers well-drained, light, or poor soils. Avoid heavy or waterlogged ground, especially in winter.

Light

Thrives in full sun, where foliage colour and flowering are at their best.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, watering is only needed during prolonged dry spells.

Maintenance

Pruning: Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Mulching: Apply a light mulch in spring to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
Pests & Diseases: Generally trouble-free when grown in free-draining soil.

Perfect Plant Combinations

• Lavender, rosemary, or cistus for Mediterranean-style planting

• Ornamental grasses such as Stipa or Festuca

• Euphorbia and Santolina for contrasting textures

• Perovskia or Salvia for extended summer colour