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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Phlomis russeliana is an upright herbaceous perennial of the mint family that is native to open woods and clearings in Turkey and Syria. Typically grows to 3′ tall and 2′ wide with gray-green basal leaves about 6-8″ long with cordate bases growing to 15″ tall. Tiny, tubular, hooded, 2-lippeed, pale yellow flowers in the whorled clusters bloom from June to September at intervals along columnar flowering stems which rise above the basal foliage to 2-3′ tall. 

HABITAT & HARDINESS: Phlomis russeliana is native to Turkey and Syria, finding itself in open woods and clearings. 

Phlomis russeliana is hardy from USDA Zones 5-9.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Phlomis russeliana brings interest to the garden almost all year round! First, with its originating flower buds and the resultant flowers themselves in summer then with its distinctive dome-shaped seed heads in the fall and winter. This evergreen perennial features pale yellow hooded flowers in architectural whorled clusters that rise well above the basal foliage, which consists of a low ground-covering mound, up to 15″ tall, of aromatic, heart-shaped, gray-green leaves. A great sight in all seasons.

CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Easily grown in organically rich, fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Prefers sandy soils with excellent drainage. Plants tolerate dry soil conditions in cool summer climates, but generally appreciate some regular moisture in hot summer climates. Avoid wet soils. Plants spread quickly by rhizomes, without being invasive, to form a weed-suppressing ground cover.

LANDSCAPE USES: Although somewhat coarse, it is an excellent vertical flowering plant for dry sunny areas. Borders. Meadows. Cottage gardens. Wild gardens. Ground cover.

TRIVIA: Specific epithet honors John Russell (1766-1839). He was the 6th Duke of Bedford (England) and a zealous promoter or botany, gardening, forestry and agriculture.