Phlomis samia
a perennial member of the Phlomis genus in the family Labiatae.
Taxonomy and growth
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[2].
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Soil surface
Environment
- Range
- Europe, Greece to Yugoslavia, to N. Africa and W. Asia.
- Habitat
- Pine and cedar forests, usually on volcanic soils[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
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
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[2].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in full sun or light shade[2]. Succeeds in dry soils. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[2]. Very hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°c[1]. A vigorous species forming large clumps of spreading stems[1]. Very similar to P. russeliana, differing mainly in this species having pink flowers[2].
References
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5