Jerusalem Sage
Phlomis fruticosa
Bold whorls of intense yellow flowers crown this Mediterranean native, adding Old World charm to desert gardens.
Hardy in USDA zones 7-11; evergreen through low-desert winters, hardy to around 10 degrees F, and best in low- to mid-desert gardens with good drainage.
AMWUA Notes
A moderate-water Mediterranean subshrub that provides evergreen structure and bold spring bloom with little fuss.
Care Guide
Water every 1-2 weeks in summer once established; this Mediterranean shrub is drought tolerant and needs good drainage to avoid rot.
Cut the flowered stems back by a third to a half after bloom to keep the woolly mound dense; the dried flower whorls can be left for winter structure or removed.
Little to none; lean soil keeps the gray foliage compact and the plant long-lived.
Resistant to most pests thanks to its felted leaves; rabbits and deer usually avoid it.
Evergreen gray-green subshrub that blooms in spring and early summer; give it a hard renewal cut in late winter every few years to prevent legginess.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Lean, well-drained soils; tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline ground; needs good drainage to avoid rot.
Needs well-drained soil.
Low feeder.
Cuttings, division of the clump, or seed; semi-hardwood cuttings root well.
3–4 ft
Minimal; a well-behaved woody subshrub that spreads slowly at the base without invasive roots.
Placement Tips
- •Use its bold whorled flower stems and woolly foliage as a structural anchor in a Mediterranean bed.
- •Space 3-4 feet apart so each rounded mound has room to show its form.
- •Pair with other gray-leaved, low-water Mediterranean plants for a cohesive palette.
- •Full sun and sharp drainage; it tolerates reflected heat but not wet feet.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Jerusalem Sage. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Jerusalem Sage — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Jerusalem Sage need in Phoenix?
Jerusalem Sage is a moderate-water perennial once established. Water every 1-2 weeks in summer once established; this Mediterranean shrub is drought tolerant and needs good drainage to avoid rot. A moderate-water Mediterranean subshrub that provides evergreen structure and bold spring bloom with little fuss.
How big does Jerusalem Sage get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 3–4 ft of spacing when planting. Minimal; a well-behaved woody subshrub that spreads slowly at the base without invasive roots.
Can you plant Jerusalem Sage near a pool?
Yes. Jerusalem Sage is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated low.
Can Jerusalem Sage handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Jerusalem Sage is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 7-11; evergreen through low-desert winters, hardy to around 10 degrees F, and best in low- to mid-desert gardens with good drainage. Evergreen gray-green subshrub that blooms in spring and early summer; give it a hard renewal cut in late winter every few years to prevent legginess.
Does Jerusalem Sage have thorns?
No. Jerusalem Sage is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.
Is Jerusalem Sage safe around pets?
Jerusalem Sage is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Jerusalem Sage bloom in Arizona?
Jerusalem Sage blooms in spring-summer, with intense yellow flowers. The bloom draws bees, butterflies.
How much maintenance does Jerusalem Sage need?
Jerusalem Sage is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Cut the flowered stems back by a third to a half after bloom to keep the woolly mound dense; the dried flower whorls can be left for winter structure or removed.
What kind of soil does Jerusalem Sage need?
Lean, well-drained soils; tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline ground; needs good drainage to avoid rot. Nutrient needs are low. Little to none; lean soil keeps the gray foliage compact and the plant long-lived.
Is Jerusalem Sage native to Arizona?
No. Jerusalem Sage is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Mediterranean, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.