Jerusalem Sage Phlomis 'Edward Bowles'
ABOUT
Phlomis 'Edward Bowles', also known simply as Edward Bowles phlomis, is a striking perennial plant with an appearance that is both robust and architecturally interesting. Its stems are upright and square in shape, which is a characteristic common to members of the mint family, to which it belongs. The plant displays a profusion of sage-green leaves that are textured, heart-shaped at the base, and gently taper to a point at their tips. They often have a slightly wrinkled appearance and can be soft and hairy to the touch, giving them a somewhat velvety feel. Throughout its blooming season, Edward Bowles phlomis produces whorls of flowers that are tightly clustered together in tiers around the stems. These flowers are a delightful shade of pale yellow and are tubular with a lipped shape, typical of many plants favored by pollinators such as bees. The blooms provide a sharp contrast to the green foliage and can create a showy display that catches the eye in a garden setting. After the flowering period, the plant retains its structural interest as the flowers give way to seed heads that also cling to the stem in the same tiered fashion. These dry, brown seed heads can persist into the winter, offering visual interest even when the rest of the garden may be dormant. Overall, Edward Bowles phlomis has a bushy and informal habit that can complement a wide variety of garden styles, from cottage gardens to more modern, minimalistic landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Edward Bowles' Jerusalem Sage, Edward Bowles' Phlomis.
Common names
Phlomis 'Edward Bowles'.
ToxicityTo humans
Edward Bowles' phlomis is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and some people might experience an allergic reaction or dermatitis upon handling the plant or accidentally ingesting part of it. It's always wise to practice caution and keep all plants out of the reach of small children who might inadvertently consume plant material.
To pets
Edward Bowles' phlomis is not widely known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Just like with humans, some animals might have individual sensitivities or allergies that could cause mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of the plant. It's generally a good idea to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants to avoid any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet 4 inches (1.02 meters)
Spread
3 feet 4 inches (1.02 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Resistance: The Phlomis 'Edward Bowles' is well-adapted to dry conditions and can survive with minimal water once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: It produces nectar-rich flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires relatively little upkeep once established and is not demanding regarding soil type or fertilizers.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas where deer are a common problem.
- Architectural Interest: With its robust, woolly foliage and striking whorls of yellow flowers, it adds an interesting shape and texture to garden designs.
- Long Flowering Period: The plant blooms over a long period, typically from late spring to late summer, providing extended visual interest.
- Cold Hardy: Phlomis 'Edward Bowles' is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, which makes it versatile for different climate gardens.
- Erosion Control: The robust root system helps to stabilize soil and can be useful for controlling erosion on slopes.
- Multiseasonal Interest: The evergreen leaves and persistent flower stalks provide visual appeal even outside the blooming season.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dried floral arrangements: Phlomis 'Edward Bowles' can be used in dried floral arrangements thanks to its sturdy and visually interesting stems and seed heads that maintain their shape and color after drying.
- Wildlife shelter: Its dense foliage provides shelter for small wildlife such as beneficial insects during the cold months.
- Natural fencing: When planted in a row, Phlomis 'Edward Bowles' can create a semi-evergreen barrier or natural fence due to its size and structure.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may find the distinctive form and texture of Phlomis fruticosa flowers and leaves inspiring for botanical illustrations or nature-based art.
- Educational resource: This plant can be used in educational gardens to demonstrate various adaptations of Mediterranean plants to dry and sunny environments.
- Landscape contouring: It can be used for adding structure and contours to a landscape design, particularly in rock or Mediterranean gardens.
- Photographic subject: The striking appearance of Phlomis 'Edward Bowles', especially when in bloom, can make it a great subject for photography enthusiasts.
- Erosion control: With its extensive root system, it can be planted on slopes to help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Companion planting: It can be used as a companion plant in gardens due to its ability to resist deer browsing, thus reducing damage to more sensitive neighboring plants.
- Crafting material: The seed heads and dried stems can be used in crafting, such as making natural wreaths or as part of mixed media artwork.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Jerusalem Sage is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Jerusalem Sage is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Phlomis 'Edward Bowles', commonly known as the Jerusalem Sage, is symbolic of resilience on account of its ability to withstand drought and poor soil conditions.
- Protection: Jerusalem Sage has historically been used in gardens to signify protection due to its sturdy and robust characteristics, which can safeguard more delicate plants by acting as a windbreak.
WaterJerusalem Sage should be watered deeply and infrequently to mimic natural conditions and encourage deep root growth. During the active growing period in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with approximately 1.5 gallons of water per session, depending on soil and weather conditions. In the fall and winter, reduce the frequency to once every two to three weeks, or as needed if the soil remains moist. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be dry an inch below the surface. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.
LightJerusalem Sage thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to perform its best. It can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot afternoon conditions, but too much shade will cause it to grow leggy and produce fewer flowers. The ideal spot for growing Jerusalem Sage is an area exposed to uninterrupted sunlight during the morning with some protection from the harsh late afternoon sun in extremely hot climates.
TemperatureJerusalem Sage prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ideally ranging between 60°F and 80°F. It is a hardy plant that can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 10°F, however, severe frost may damage the foliage. During the summer, Jerusalem Sage can endure temperatures up to the mid-90s°F without any significant problems as long as it is well-watered.
PruningJerusalem Sage should be pruned to remove spent flower stalks and maintain a neat shape. Prune lightly in the fall after flowering to remove the old flowers, and then prune more heavily in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy growth and prepare for the coming growing season. Pruning every year will help prevent the plant from becoming woody and sparse.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJerusalem Sage thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, commonly taking a mix of loam, sand, and compost to promote drainage and fertility.
RepottingJerusalem Sage does not require frequent repotting and should only be repotted every few years if it outgrows its current container or the soil becomes depleted.
Humidity & MistingJerusalem Sage prefers a dry to average humidity climate and is quite tolerant of dry air conditions, making it ideal for typical indoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal water, protect from cold drafts.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, shelter from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cyclePhlomis 'Edward Bowles', commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, begins its life cycle from seed, which, when sown in spring or autumn, will germinate and grow into a young plant. As a hardy perennial, it develops a rosette of leaves in its first year, with hairy, sage-like foliage that remains evergreen in mild winters. In the second year, it matures and produces tall, sturdy stems topped with whorls of yellow flowers typically in late spring to early summer, attracting bees and butterflies. After flowering, seed heads may form if pollination occurs, which can either be collected for propagation or left to self-seed in the garden. Throughout its life, Phlomis 'Edward Bowles' will continue to expand its woody base, and with proper care, it can live for many years, although division every few years is recommended to maintain vigor. In winter, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, only to resprout from the base come spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Phlomis 'Edward Bowles', commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, can be propagated by cuttings, which is one of the most popular and effective methods. During the growing season, typically spring or early summer, semi-ripe stem cuttings can be taken. A cutting should have several leaf nodes and be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. After removing the lower leaves, the cut end of the cutting can be dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist and warm until roots have developed, which can be verified by a gentle tug on the cutting after a few weeks. Providing a high humidity environment, such as covering with a plastic bag, can enhance rooting success. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into its final location.
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