What is the Jerusalem sage?
The Jerusalem sage, named Fruticosa's phlomis in Latin and sometimes called yellow Clary or a large sage, is a permanent herb in the Mediterranean area, where it grows from Portugal and Spain to Greece and Turkey. In many countries it is also widely available as a garden plant. The Jerusalem sage has a similar appearance to the bushes and grows 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) high with upright, hairy stems that become wood at the base as the plant ages. It has harsh, aromatic leaves that are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, blunt green at the top and covered with thick, soft, silver hair.
The most significant feature of the Jerusalem sage is its bright yellow, tubular, hood, which grow in large whirls on short spikes. These flowers appear at the end of spring until mid -summer and attract butterflies, bees and birds. It should be noted that the English name of the plant is misleading. First, the Jerusalem sage belongs to the family of plants Lamiaceae, which means it is more of a mint than himDRC. It is not that it is not a real connection with Jerusalem, but it could have been so named because it is common in the eastern parts of the Mediterranean.
Jerusalem Sage is often grown as an ornamental plant and gardeners are preferred for their spectacular flowers and silver leaves, as well as for relatively easy growth. It is drought and thermal tolerant, not susceptible to pests or diseases and is resistant to deer and rabbits. The plant can be grown in almost any kind of soil if it is well drained and is not excessive. Like many Mediterranean plants, the Jerusalem sage prefers full sun on a light shadow and does not tolerate the cold very well, although temperatures can survive from 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees C), especially if its roots are covered with leaves or massive. Can be grown in borders or containers and can be used as an accent or for its buttons.
The Jerusalem sage is commonly spread by dividing the plant at the end of autumn or early in the spring. Cuts of peaks acquired in autumn can be used for the same purpose and can also be grown from seeds. New samples should be planted 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) apart to allow the spread of fully grown plants. Introduced plants can be strongly cut in the spring to keep them best and prevent them from developing hollow centers.