Jerusalem sage Phlomis fruticosa
Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean (Italy, Balkans, Turkey; dry rocky slopes). It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Jerusalem sage in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Jerusalem sage at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern Mediterranean (Italy, Balkans, Turkey; dry rocky slopes) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Jerusalem sage toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jerusalem sage
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Jerusalem sage in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (5 plants)
- The Butchart Gardens (4 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (5 plants)
Questions about Jerusalem sage
- How far apart should I plant Jerusalem sage?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft).
- Does Jerusalem sage need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jerusalem sage need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Jerusalem sage?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Jerusalem sage flower?
- From about May for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Jerusalem sage poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Jerusalem sage?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jerusalem sage. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Woolly sage-like leaves; whorls of hooded yellow flowers stacked up the stems, loved by bumblebees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare