Phlomis tuberosa is a tuberous-rooted perennial of the mint family. It is native to southern Europe and Asia. Tiny, tubular, lavender-pink flowers in dense whorled clusters (verticillasters) bloom at intervals up long, columnar, 4-angled, dark red flowering stems (to 8 clusters per stem) in late spring to early summer (May – July). Flower clusters give way in summer to ornamental seed heads which remain attractive throughout fall into winter. Hanging from the ropy root clusters are many perfectly round tubers, like tiny potatoes. It is a good, spicy tasting plant. Also considered a valuable honey plant, giving a lot of nectar. Used for the manufacture of confectionery and sauces, dairy cereal. Kalmyks added the flour into a tea. The plant has been used in folk medicine as a palliative for pneumonia, bronchitis, jaundice and hemorrhoids, and also as an astringent, wound healing tonic. Grows to 4′ tall. Tolerates light shade. Performs well in sandy loams. Plants tolerate some dry soil conditions. Avoid wet soils. Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden.
Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis tuberosa)
Description
Phlomis tuberosa is a tuberous-rooted perennial of the mint family. It is native to southern Europe and Asia. Tiny, tubular, lavender-pink flowers in dense whorled clusters (verticillasters) bloom at intervals up long, columnar, 4-angled, dark red flowering stems (to 8 clusters per stem) in late spring to early summer (May – July). Flower clusters give way in summer to ornamental seed heads which remain attractive throughout fall into winter. Hanging from the ropy root clusters are many perfectly round tubers, like tiny potatoes. It is a good, spicy tasting plant. Also considered a valuable honey plant, giving a lot of nectar. Used for the manufacture of confectionery and sauces, dairy cereal. Kalmyks added the flour into a tea. The plant has been used in folk medicine as a palliative for pneumonia, bronchitis, jaundice and hemorrhoids, and also as an astringent, wound healing tonic. Grows to 4′ tall. Tolerates light shade. Performs well in sandy loams. Plants tolerate some dry soil conditions. Avoid wet soils. Photo courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden.
