Practical
Plants

Phlomis russeliana

a perennial evergreen member of the Phlomis genus in the family Labiatae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Labiatae
Genus
Phlomis
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Height
1 m
Spread
0.6 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants have large heart-shaped leaves that overlap to make an extremely effective weed suppressing ground cover[3]. They form a carpet that roots as it spreads and should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[4].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
N. Africa to W. Asia.
Habitat
Woods, clearings and hazel scrub to 1700 metres in Turkey[1].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germinates quickly. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn[3].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in most well-drained soils in full sun or light shade[1][3]. Succeeds in dry soils, tolerating drought when established[2]. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[3]. Plants are hardy to about -20°c[1]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[3]. Plants are often confused in cultivation with P. samia, which differs mainly in having pink flowers[3].

References

  1. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  2. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  4. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

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