Phlomis russeliana

Description and Characteristics

Phlomis russeliana, commonly known as Turkish Sage, is a bold and architectural herbaceous perennial prized for its tiered whorls of soft yellow flowers, striking seedheads, and broad, felted foliage. Native to Turkey and parts of the eastern Mediterranean, it is a reliable and drought-tolerant plant that brings strong structure to mixed borders and naturalistic plantings.

From early to midsummer, it produces upright stems topped with rings of hooded, lemon-yellow flowers spaced in distinctive layers—a unique and sculptural look that adds rhythm and repetition to planting schemes. After flowering, it leaves behind ornamental seedheads that persist into winter, adding seasonal interest and value for wildlife.

The plant forms large basal clumps of large, softly hairy, heart-shaped green leaves, which remain evergreen in mild winters. It typically grows to 90–120 cm tall and 60–90 cm wide, making it ideal for middle or back-of-border placement.

• Tiered whorls of lemon-yellow hooded flowers from June to August

• Bold, fuzzy green leaves form large basal clumps

• Height: 90–120 cm; Spread: 60–90 cm

• Attractive architectural seedheads through autumn and winter

• Excellent for dry gardens, borders, and wildlife-friendly planting

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Phlomis russeliana is a robust, drought-tolerant perennial that requires very little care once established. It thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions and is suitable for a wide range of soil types.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for strong flowering and upright habit

  • Tolerates light shade, but stems may lean or stretch

• Soil Preferences:

  • Grows well in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil

  • Tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soil if drainage is good

  • Thrives in alkaline to neutral soil; tolerates dry, gravelly ground

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the first season to establish roots

  • Once established, is highly drought-tolerant

  • Avoid wet or waterlogged conditions, especially in winter

• Feeding:

  • Requires minimal feeding—too much fertiliser can lead to floppy growth

  • Mulch lightly in spring to suppress weeds and improve soil texture

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers if self-seeding is not desired

  • Leave seedheads for winter interest and wildlife

  • In early spring, cut old stems back to the base as new shoots appear

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 5–9 (RHS H7)

  • Withstands cold and frost; no special protection needed

  • Seedheads and foliage provide shelter for insects in winter

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Wildlife Benefits

Phlomis russeliana is valued for its multi-season interest, textural contrast, and wildlife support. It works well in both structured planting schemes and loose naturalistic gardens.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for sunny borders, dry gardens, Mediterranean planting, and prairie-style landscapes

  • Excellent backdrop plant or textural contrast in mixed borders

  • Provides a structural winter silhouette

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines beautifully with Echinops, Salvia nemorosa, Nepeta, Achillea, and Perovskia

  • Pairs well with grasses like Stipa gigantea or Miscanthus

  • Contrasts with bold-leaved plants like Geranium, Sedum, or Eryngium

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees and butterflies

  • Dried seedheads offer shelter and perching spots for insects and birds

  • A great choice for wildlife-friendly and sustainable planting

• Cut Flower and Seedhead Use:

  • Unique flower stems and seedheads are excellent for cut and dried arrangements

  • Leave standing through winter for structural garden interest

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Very resistant to pests and diseases

  • Occasionally slugs may nibble young shoots, but rarely a problem

  • Good air circulation helps prevent any fungal issues

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.