Phlomis Fruticosa – shrub

I have always loved phlomis and used them here at Enchanted gardens as a plant that expects nothing and yet performs beautifully every year, giving a really good solid show of pollinator food and then attractive seed heads.  We grow the perennial russelinia easily and now feel it is time to show off with this lovely Mediterranean perennial Shrub which shares many characteristics.

Its leaves are grey-green, sage like and softer and the flowers are a deeper yellow colour.  Phlomis fruticosa is evergreen small and spreads a little slower than its perennial cousin.  It copes on our heavy clay but does require a little drainage and must be in the sun whilst not too exposed to really cold winds that may make the leaves a little tatty.  We will divide and also take softwood cuttings in the summer.