Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage Plant Care

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis grandiflora) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Phlomis genus. Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage is native to the eastern Aegean Islands and Turkey. Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage is also known as Yellow Phlomis.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage produces whorls of hooded yellow or purple flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage thrives in full sun to part shade.

Phlomis grandiflora tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to part shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to jerusalem sage plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage is native to the eastern Aegean Islands and Turkey. In cooler regions, grow Large-flowered Jerusalem Sage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.