Phlomis russeliana
Turkish sage
Common names: Russell's phlomis
At a glance
- Light
- Full sun
- Pot size
- from 15 l
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Flowering
- Jun–Aug
- Hardiness
- Hardy
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Description
Phlomis russeliana produces conspicuous yellow flower whorls from early June (week 23) that sit in tiers on upright stems. The large, soft-fuzzy leaves form a dense, weed‑suppressing mat at the base. After flowering, the round seed heads remain on the plant into winter, adding structure to the bed even under frost. The perennial originates from western Asia and is reliably winter‑hardy in sunny, dry sites. Bees and bumblebees readily visit the flower tiers, making it a valuable plant for naturalistic gardens.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun on a warm, well‑drained, somewhat lean soil; avoid damp sites. Water regularly during the first weeks after planting (best mid‑May, week 20), then rainfall usually suffices. Leave spent stems until late winter to provide seed heads and insect shelter; cut them back close to the ground in February or March. Fertilization is rarely needed; a thin layer of compost in spring is adequate. Every three to four years, divide the mat to keep the plant vigorous and to produce new plants for other beds.
The care notes were machine-translated from German.
Garden year
FloweringJun–Aug
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, loamy, lime-loving, dry
Turkish sage likes free-draining, rather dry soil and also tolerates poor sites well. On heavy, waterlogged soils the rootstock rots quickly, so a portion of sand or grit helps at planting. Chalky, loamy garden soils are ideal, as long as waterlogging does not occur.
Feeding
Light feeder
As a robust wild perennial, Turkish sage manages without additional feeding. A thin dose of compost in spring is entirely sufficient; more would only promote soft, flopping growth. On poor sites the plant even stays more compact and flowers more reliably.
Overwintering
Turkish sage is hardy and needs no special protection in most locations. Leave the dry flower spikes standing over winter; they look lovely with hoar frost and offer insects shelter. Only in early spring do you cut the old stems back close to the ground, before the new growth comes.
Propagation
Methods
- Division
- From seed
The easiest way is to divide Turkish sage in spring or autumn, when the clumps become denser. Dig up the plant, divide the rootstock with a spade into sturdy pieces and replant them straight away. Sowing also works, but needs patience until the young plants are sturdy enough for the garden. Water freshly divided or sown plants until they have visibly established.
Companion planting
Good neighbors
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 14 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 41 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
For your garden
Grow Turkish sage yourself
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