Phlomoides tuberosa

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sage-leaf mullein

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sage-leaf mullein RHS

Synonyms

Phlomis tuberosa

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial
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A clump-forming perennial with deeply veined and sharply serrated, dark green arrow-shaped basal leaves. Tall, upright, dark purple, leafy stems bear clusters of purple or pink flowers in mid and late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe to Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, reliably well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 8 or pruning group 9

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free