We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Jerusalem Sage?

By M. Haskins
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 8,590
Share

Jerusalem sage, named Phlomis fruticosa in Latin and sometimes called yellow clary or great sage, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows from Portugal and Spain to Greece and Turkey. It is also widely available as a garden plant in many countries. Jerusalem sage is shrub-like in appearance and grows 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) tall with upright, hairy stems that turn woody at the base as the plant ages. It has rough, aromatic leaves that are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, dull-green on top and covered in dense, fine, silvery hair beneath.

The most striking feature of Jerusalem sage is its bright yellow, tubular, hooded flowers that grow in large whorls on short spikes. Emerging in late spring to mid-summer, these flowers attract butterflies, bees and birds. It should be noted that the plant's English name is misleading. Firstly, Jerusalem sage belongs to the Lamiaceae family of plants, meaning it is a type of mint rather than a sage. Secondly, it does not appear to have any real connection to Jerusalem, but might have been so named because it is common in the eastern parts of the Mediterranean.

Jerusalem sage is often grown as an ornamental plant and is favored by gardeners for its showy flowers and silvery foliage, as well as for being relatively easy to grow. It is drought- and heat-tolerant, not prone to pests or diseases and is resistant to both deer and rabbits. The plant can be grown in almost any kind of soil as long as it is well-drained and not over-watered. Like many plants native to the Mediterranean, Jerusalem sage prefers full sun to light shade and does not tolerate cold very well, though it can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees C), especially if its roots are covered with leaves or mulch. It can be grown in borders or containers, and can be used as an accent plant or for its cut flowers.

Jerusalem sage is commonly propagated by dividing the plant in late fall or early spring. Tip cuttings taken in the fall can be used for the same purpose, and it can also be grown from seeds. New specimens should be planted 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to allow for the spread of the full-grown plants. Established plants can be heavily pruned back in springtime to keep them looking their best, and to prevent them from developing hollow centers.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-jerusalem-sage.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.