Phlomis russeliana - Jerusalem Sage

Phlomis russeliana, also known as Russell's Sage, is a pretty creeping perennial forming erect stems of pale-yellow whorled flowers.

This creeping perennial forms large rosettes of grey-green leaves. They are heart-shaped at the base, lanceolate and villous, slightly shiny, and evergreen depending on the climate.

In early summer, it produces stiff and hairy erect stems reaching 1m (3ft) in height, carrying pale-yellow flowers in their upper part, arranged in large whorls in the axils of the leaves. Even when faded, the flowers remain decorative for many months and can also be used to make magnificent dried bouquets.

Unlike its shrubby cousins, Phlomis russeliana likes rich and moist soils, but without excess water. It grows in sunny or partly shady beds, in the company of roses, bellflowers, catmints, and lady's mantles.