Sticky Jerusalem Sage
I had walked by it frequently, without knowing what it was, the tag having long gone. I began talking to it: 'You look like Clary Sage, but you are not because the leaves aren't hairy'.... In 2001, the third year of walking past it, I said 'You’re getting the boot, if you don’t do something soon.....' Threats and insults may have worked because while bending over to check a nearby azalea, I had a surprise: several flower buds were rising above the large spade-shaped leaves.
Ah, progress! I was none the wiser at that point, but at least I could see that it wouldn’t be much longer before I would see the flowers. However, it was a while before three unusual tiers of flowers were produced in a candelabra form (see photo). Now I could go back to my seed catalogues and identify the plant as Phlomis ruseliana.
Seed* was started indoors in April 1998, and the young plants transplanted to the edge of a south-facing flower bed, not far from the house. In this privileged position, they had full sun for most of the day. Water was given only if nearby azaleas needed watering. There was a Clary sage planted nearby at some point, but it was short-lived. Phlomis thrived, but took 4 years from seed to bloom!
Phlomis is a big character, the basal leaves measuring about 7-8" (20 cm.) in a clump about 24" (60 cm) across. The toughest of weeds have not invaded its dense growth, which resembles that of the Hosta, and bugs and slugs leave it alone.
Flowers are produced on tall stems (90cm; 36in or more in length), with the oddest looking flower buds, like fluffy pincushions (called verticillasters). Lemon-coloured petals gradually emerge on the upper surface of the 'pincushion', like spokes on a wheel. I believe it flowered in July and the flower petals lasted a long time before fading to a beige colour. Nothing untidy at all. The candelabra shape remains a very striking form in the garden, although the stems do get rather dark.
I did cut a stem and hung it upside-down to see if the flower would dry. The flower lost interest, but the strong candelabra-form was retained, together with its attractiveness. This was also true in the garden with plants left until November. When I finally cut the stems, it was with dried flowers AND seed collection in mind. The dried stem is too dark, but with some spray paint, who knows? I have some seeds already retrieved to sow next Spring and for seed exchange. At the end of year 4, I now have to consider whether to divide the plant. I suspect it will be a tough dig!
According to the Reader's Digest A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, there are about 100 different members of the genus Phlomis; most of those described are not hardy enough for here. Phlomis russseliana a native of Turkey, is noted in the literature as having various zones of hardiness, (zones 4-9). Of note, Phlomis tuberosa is hardy in zones 5-8 and bears false whorls'(?) of pink or purple flowers. This cousin may also be worthy of investigation, particularly if you don't mind surprises!
William F. Matthews