Purple Jerusalem Sage

Purple Jerusalem Sage

1 Gallon
$18.90
Skip to product information
Purple Jerusalem Sage
1/3

Purple Jerusalem Sage

Phlomis purpurea

A Mediterranean evergreen with soft, velvety gray foliage and striking whorls of hooded purple-pink flowers.

$18.90
Container sizeSize guide

Quality Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Local Plant Delivery

Delivered by our local network

Current Nursery Inventory

Availability reflects current sourcing

 Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

Phlomis purpurea is an evergreen shrub prized for its soft, velvety, gray-green foliage and striking whorls of hooded, purple-pink flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, this drought-tolerant plant features upright, branching stems covered in oblong to lance-shaped, softly hairy leaves that give the plant a silvery, textured appearance. From late spring through summer, it produces distinctive, tiered whorls (verticillasters) of two-lipped, hooded flowers in shades of purple, magenta, or rose-pink, which rise above the foliage on tall, sturdy stems. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and are followed by small, inconspicuous nutlets. With its upright, rounded habit and excellent tolerance for heat, drought, and poor soils, it is a superb choice for Mediterranean gardens, dry borders, coastal plantings, rock gardens, and as an accent plant.

Quick Facts

  • Foliage & Flowers: Oblong to lance-shaped, gray-green leaves with soft, velvety hairs; tiered whorls of two-lipped, hooded, purple-pink to magenta flowers on upright stems, blooming from late spring through summer .
  • Mature Height: 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m)
  • Mature Spread: 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m)
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-10 ; Sunset 7-24
  • Light Requirement: Full sun (best flowering and compact growth)
  • Core Benefits: Soft, velvety gray-green foliage; striking whorled purple-pink flowers; drought tolerant; heat tolerant; attracts bees and butterflies; deer resistant.
  • Best Uses: Mediterranean gardens, dry borders, coastal gardens, rock gardens, xeriscape plantings, wildlife gardens, specimen or accent plant.

Faqs

Q: How large does Purple Jerusalem Sage get?
A: It typically reaches 4-6 feet in both height and spread, forming an upright, rounded, bushy shrub.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: For the most abundant flower display and compact growth, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate very light shade but will become leggy and flower less.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot.

Q: Does it attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the nectar-rich, hooded flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the summer.

Q: When should I prune it?
A: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning helps maintain a compact shape and remove any frost-damaged foliage. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood, as it may not resprout.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, the soft, velvety, aromatic foliage is generally resistant to deer browsing, making it an excellent choice for gardens with deer pressure.

Q: Is it tolerant of coastal conditions?
A: Yes, as a Mediterranean native, it is well-adapted to coastal conditions, tolerating salt spray and wind once established.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

Shop now

A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

Explore 1 Gallon Plants

5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

Explore 5 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

Discover More from Victory Nursery

Sage Plants
Culinary sage leaves close up

Sage Plants

Flowering Perennials
Flowering perennials victory nursery Verbena Venosa Gillies & Hook Flowers

Flowering Perennials

Mediterranean Garden
Low water landscape plants with lavender and evergreen shrubs in a sunny yard

Mediterranean Garden

Drought-Tolerant Garden
Drought-tolerant Bay Area garden with low-water shrubs, grasses, and flowering perennials in full sun.

Drought-Tolerant Garden