Phlomis russeliana
"Turkish sage"
Orders placed until 29 February 2026
You can expect your order in February/March 2026
Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2026
You can expect your order in March/April 2026
Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2026
You can expect your order within 10 business days
UK orders over £50
Free shipping
UK orders under £50
£4.99
Northern Ireland orders under £50
£5.99
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Description
A plant with personality, Phlomis russeliana, or Turkish sage, is the kind of perennial that knows how to make an entrance—and a lasting impression. With its bold rosettes of large, soft, heart-shaped leaves and striking tiers of pale yellow flowers, it adds structure and texture to borders like few others can. The blooms of Phlomis russeliana appear in early summer, forming whorls along sturdy stems, and when the flowers fade, the architectural seed heads take centre stage, adding drama well into winter. This long-season interest makes it an excellent choice for low-maintenance and naturalistic planting schemes.
Beyond its good looks, Phlomis russeliana is a tough, drought-tolerant performer that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun but is equally happy in light shade. Its nectar-rich flowers are a hit with pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies throughout the season. Even in the depths of winter, its dried seed heads stand tall, offering a sculptural element to the frosty landscape. Whether you’re after a wildlife-friendly addition or an effortlessly stylish border plant, Phlomis russeliana is a choice you won’t regret. It’s no surprise that this garden favourite has been recognised with the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.
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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RHS Award (AGM)
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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 russeliana
syn. Phlomis samia 'Boiss' -
Flower colour
Yellow
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Plant size
1
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Established height
70cm-1m
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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 russeliana roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting
Plant your "Turkish sage" 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 until 29 February 2025
You can expect your order in February/March 2025Orders placed 1 March - 15 April 2025
You can expect your order in March/April 2025Orders placed 16 April - 15 May 2025
You can expect your order within 10 business days
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