Phlomis fruticosa

Jerusalem sage

• Position: full sun
• Soil: any fertile, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June and July
• Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)
  
  In June and July, distinctive whorls of hooded, golden yellow flowers are strung like beads at intervals above sage-like, aromatic, grey-green leaves. This spreading evergreen shrub forms a neat mound and even after the flowers fade, it retains a dramatic presence in the border, with architectural seedheads that look wonderful among late-flowering perennials and grasses. Try it towards the middle of a sunny mixed or herbaceous border, or as part of a scheme with silver-leaved plants.
  
  
• Garden care: In mid-spring shorten any frost-damaged stems, cutting back to just above a healthy bud. Remove any weak or diseased shoots, cutting cleanly back to the base. Avoid excessive winter wet and offer winter protection in colder parts of the country or when temperatures really drop.