Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) Phlomis russeliana
Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) (Phlomis russeliana) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Woodland clearings of northern Turkey. It grows 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June 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 | Woodland clearings of northern Turkey |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇫🇷 France, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
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 Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis)
- How far apart should I plant Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) flower?
- From about June for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis) 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. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Turkish sage (Russell’s phlomis). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Big, felty, heart-shaped leaves form weed-smothering ground cover, with tall stems carrying tiered whorls of soft yellow hooded flowers in early summer; the seed heads stand all winter.
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