Phlomis 'Prima Donna'
"Sage-leaf mullein"
Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in August/September
Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in September/October
Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
Free tracked delivery
on orders over £50
Tracked delivery £4.99
on orders under £50
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Delivery to Northern Ireland
Tracked delivery £6.99
on orders under £50
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Description
A real showstopper in the garden, Phlomis 'Prima Donna', also known as sage-leaf mullein, is anything but shy. Towering stems rise up in summer, adorned with whorls of vibrant pinkish-lavender flowers that stand out against a backdrop of bold, felted foliage. The flowers of Phlomis 'Prima Donna' appear in tiers, creating an eye-catching, architectural display that lasts for weeks. Even after the petals have fallen, the dried seed heads add a touch of winter interest, giving structure and texture to the garden long after the growing season has ended.
But Phlomis 'Prima Donna' isn't just about good looks, it's tough as nails. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, this drought-tolerant perennial takes whatever the seasons throw at it. Loved by pollinators, it attracts bees and butterflies throughout summer, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. With its resilience, long-lasting appeal, and striking presence, Phlomis 'Prima Donna' is an effortlessly stylish choice for borders, prairie-style planting, or even gravel gardens. A plant with both beauty and backbone, it’s also known under the botanical name Phlomoides tuberosa 'Prima Donna'.
Key features
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Good for cutting
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Comes back every year
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Fragrant
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Attractive to wildlife
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Loved by pollinators
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In peat-free compost
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Low maintenance
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Drought tolerant
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Fully hardy
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Rodent resistant
Specs & details
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Botanical name
Phlomis tuberosa 'Prima Donna' syn.
Phlomoides tuberosa 'Prima Donna' -
Flower colour
Pink, lavender
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Plant size
1
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Established height
70cm-1.2m
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Established spread
30-50cm
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Plant spacing
10 plants per m2
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Leaf colour
Green
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Habit
Upright
Clump-forming -
Life cycle
Perennial
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Hardiness
Fully hardy
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Years to establish
1-2 years
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Sunlight
Full sun
Partial shade -
Position
Sheltered
Exposed -
Suitable for
Large containers
Borders
Wildlife gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower gardens -
Soil acidity
Any
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Soil moisture
Free draining
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Soil type
Loam
Sandy
Clay
Stony
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost -
Growing skill
Easy to grow
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Scented
Yes
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Pollinator-friendly
Yes
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Mouse resistant
Yes
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Rabbit resistant
No
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Deer resistant
Yes
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Toxicity
No report
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
- Planting
- Flowering
Useful information
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Soak the Phlomis 'Prima Donna' roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting
Plant your "Sage-leaf mullein" bare roots into temporary pots with a multipurpose compost within a week of delivery and grow-on in a sheltered spot outdoors
Choose a pot which comfortably fits the bare roots. Some have a noticeable crown which should be just below the soil surface with any top growth exposed. Some varieties are a length of root which should be planted lengthways and shallowly (1-2cm deep).
Plant out into borders or permanent containers in late spring or early summer once in full growth. Choose a position in sun or shade depending on the variety.
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Orders placed before 1 September 2026
You can expect your order in September 2026Orders placed 1 September - 15 October 2026
You can expect your order in October 2026Orders placed 16 October - 15 December 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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