How to Plant and Grow Jerusalem Sage

The fuzzy leaves of Jerusalem sage were used as lamp wicks in ancient times, hence its other common name, lamp wick plant. This large, mounding, shrubby perennial has whorls of lemon-yellow flower spikes similar to snapdragon in late spring to late summer. The nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The soft, wooly, gray-green leaves are covered with fine hairs and resemble the leaves of lamb’s ear. 

Jerusalem sage has a wide geographical distribution range stretching from the dry rocky cliffs and slopes in the eastern Mediterranean to Turkey and into Central Asia. As a member of the mint family, it is a moderate to fast grower and drought-tolerant. 

In Zones 8-10, Jerusalem sage remains evergreen. In Zones 5-7, it will die back in the winter but the roots are quite cold-hardy and there is a good chance that the plant will come back the following spring.

Where to Plant Jerusalem Sage

Plant Jerusalem sage in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH.

Good places to plant Jerusalem sage are perennial borders alongside hardy perennials, in cottage gardens, or cut or dried flower gardens. Because it gets quite large, it is also suitable for grouping with evergreen shrubs, where it will provide a welcome burst of summer color. It is attractive both as a specimen or mass planting.

How and When to Plant Jerusalem Sage

Plant Jerusalem sage in the spring. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the nursery pot and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with the original soil so that the top of the root ball is flush with the soil. Tamp down the soil and water it well. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks and water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system.

Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart.

Jerusalem Sage Care Tips

Jerusalem sage is a tough, low-maintenance plant.

Light

Plant Jerusalem sage in full sun or partial shade. In too much shade, the plant becomes leggy.

Soil and Water

Jerusalem sage adapts to various soil types with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0 but well-drained soil is required.

Watering is only required until the plant is established; afterward, it is drought-tolerant.

Temperature and Humidity

Jerusalem sage thrives in hot, dry conditions while also being cold-hardy. It is less suited for areas with hot and humid summers.

Fertilizer

Jerusalem sage does not require fertilizer, in fact, too much nitrogen will lead to weak growth. At the most, scatter some compost around the base of the plant in the spring.

Pruning

After the bloom, cutting back the faded flower stems may encourage additional blooming. Once it has finished blooming for the year, for a neat, more attractive shape, cut the plant back by about half.

Potting and Repotting

Jerusalem sage is suitable to be grown in containers. Use a pot at least 5 inches wider in diameter than the nursery pot and make sure it has large drainage holes. Fill the container with well-draining potting mix. Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizer than inground plants.

Although the plant is winter-hardy, growing it in a pot exposes its roots to frost and freeze-and-thaw cycles. The pots should remain outdoors during the winter but you need to protect the roots by burying the pot in the ground or insulating the roots by placing the pot in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.

When grown as an annual, Jerusalem sage won’t require repotting during its single growing season. Otherwise, repotting to a larger container with fresh potting mix will be required when the roots outgrow the pot.

Pests and Problems

Except for leafhoppers, Jerusalem sage is not prone to serious pests. It is deer- and rabbit-resistant.

How to Propagate Jerusalem Sage

There are three ways to propagate Jerusalem sage: dividing the root ball in the spring, rooting softwood cuttings in the summer, or sowing seeds in late spring.

The seeds can be direct sown outdoors after the last danger of frost but in areas with long winters, it is best to start the seeds indoors in pots or cell packs. Press 3 to 4 seeds into the soil and cover it only with a dusting of soil. Keep the soil evenly moist. At a temperature around 65 degrees F. germination takes 40 to 60 days. Thin to the strongest seedling in each pot. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost.

Types of Jerusalem Sage

Tuberous Jerusalem Sage

Tuberous Jerusalem sage (Phlomis tuberosa) has tubular, lavender-pink flowers that grow in dense, whorled clusters between May and July. It reaches 2 to 4 feet in height and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet. The plant is native to central and southeastern Europe and Asia. Zone 6-9

Turkish Sage

Phlomis russeliana is native to Turkey and Syria where it grows in open woodlands and clearings. It has large, roughly-textured, olive-green, aromatic leaves and pale yellow flowers between June and September. Its mature height is 2 to 3 feet and its width is 1.5 to 2 feet. Zone 5-9

Purple Phlomis

Growing 4 to 6 feet tall and almost as wide, purple phlomis (Phlomis purpurea) is more of a sprawling shrub. It is native to Spain and North Africa. In late spring to summer, rosy-lavender hooded flowers appear in whorls just above the woolly, gray-green foliage. Zone 9-10

Jerusalem Sage Companion Plants

Catmint

The rich purple blooms of catmint explode into color in early summer just as the spring bulbs are finishing and before many of your summer perennials begin to bloom. Catmints are easy-care, fast-growing plants. These plants can handle a variety of tricky soils—one of the best things about catmints is their toughness and ability to handle poor soil conditions. Zone 3-9

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a sure bet for bringing pollinators to the garden with their blossoms reminiscent of fireworks in a variety of colors. Vigorous growth and a long bloom time also make this native plant a standout in any garden setting. The many additional uses of different parts of the plant make them handy to have around. Because of the popularity of pollinator plants, availability has surged, and many varieties of bee balm are easy to find for sale. Bee balm is an excellent rabbit-resistant plant that does best where it will get at least 6 hours of full sun. Zone 3-9

Lavender

 A shrubby perennial native to the Mediterranean region, lavender appeals to almost every sense, with its calming scent, pungent taste, dainty flowers, and velvety gray-green leaves. Bonus points: It is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies and pollinators. In its native habitat in the Mediterranean, lavender grows in rocky, slightly alkaline soils and performs best in a pH range of 6.5 to 8.2. The more your planting site mimics these conditions, the better the plant will do. Zone 5-9