Thorny Jerusalem Sage Plant Care

Thorny Jerusalem Sage (Sarcopoterium spinosum) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Sarcopoterium genus. Thorny Jerusalem Sage is also known as Spiny Jerusalem Sage, Prickly Jerusalem Sage.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Thorny Jerusalem Sage produces small clusters of white or pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Thorny 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.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sarcopoterium spinosum tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Thorny Jerusalem Sage prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Thorny Jerusalem Sage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Thorny 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 partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with good organic matter content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Thorny 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.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

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

Thorny Jerusalem Sage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Thorny Jerusalem Sage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Thorny Jerusalem Sage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.