Spanish Sage

phlomis purpurea

Also known as: ["Jerusalem Sage","Purple Phlomis"]

Family: Lamiaceae Genus: Phlomis Category: Flowers

Overview

A hardy perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its woolly leaves and spikes of purple flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Phlomis
Botanical Name: Phlomis purpurea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny, sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining; essential to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is ideal; rotate plant for even growth; avoid deep shade.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure soil dries out between waterings.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam

pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil; amend with sand or perlite if needed.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering by season.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; establish in new pot after 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut back stems to a healthy bud or lateral branch; remove dead or crossing branches.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune before new growth; remove dead wood; shape the plant.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water straight to the root zone without splashing leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter. Allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Provide winter protection in cold climates; mulch heavily; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in extreme heat above 90°F (32°C).

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; follow package instructions; avoid over-fertilizing.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid frequent feeding; reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Phlomis purpurea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall vigor.

Wilting in Phlomis purpurea can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, affecting the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Phlomis purpurea may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Phlomis purpurea if the soil is waterlogged, leading to decay and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Phlomis purpurea is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds that are harmful to felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Phlomis purpurea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior after ingestion, though the plant is not expected to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Phlomis purpurea is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. The plant is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material is not recommended without proper botanical consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Phlomis purpurea deer resistant?

A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its woolly leaves and strong scent.

Q: How often should I water Phlomis purpurea?

A: Water sparingly, as it is drought tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.

Q: Does Phlomis purpurea attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Lamiaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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