Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage Plant Care

Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis longifolia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Phlomis genus. Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage is native to the hills of Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage thrives in full sun to part shade.

Phlomis longifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

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

Feed Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf 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 Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf 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.

Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage is native to the hills of Cyprus, Turkey and Lebanon. In cooler regions, grow Long-leaf Jerusalem Sage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.