Bailan Jerusalem Sage Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica, commonly known as the Bailan Jerusalem Sage, is a perennial plant with distinctive characteristics that enable it to stand out in a garden setting. This plant bears an array of sage-like, ovate leaves which are typically covered in a fine layer of soft, downy hair, giving them a slightly fuzzy texture. The leaves are a rich, deep green color with prominent veining and are arranged in opposite pairs along the sturdy stems, providing a lush background for the flowers. The Bailan Jerusalem Sage is well known for its striking blooms, which are arranged in whorled clusters encircling the stem at intervals. These flowers are tubular and typically exhibit a stunning shade of yellow, which can add a splash of vibrant color to any landscape. The blooms are known for attracting a variety of pollinators like bees and butterflies, adorning the plant from late spring to early summer, and sometimes blooming intermittently until fall. The stem of the Bailan Jerusalem Sage is equally robust and can range from a green to a brownish color as it matures. It stands erect and branches occasionally, forming a bushy appearance with a stout and sturdy quality. The overall posture of the plant reflects its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions, though details of its size and growth habits are omitted due to restrictions. The appearance of the Bailan Jerusalem Sage makes it an attractive choice for gardeners seeking a hardy plant with aesthetically pleasing foliage and cheerful blooms, without regard to its specific growth measurements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae
- Synonyms
  Bailanica Jerusalem Sage
- Common names
  Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica.
Toxicity
- To humans
  There is limited specific information on the toxicity of Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica, commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, to humans. Generally, Phlomis species are not known to be highly toxic. However, if Jerusalem Sage is ingested in large quantities, it could potentially cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the irritant properties of certain plant compounds. As with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are always possible, so it's prudent to handle unknown plants with care and avoid ingestion unless deemed safe by a reliable source.
- To pets
  Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica) is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. Still, the general advice for non-food plants holds: it is best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption. If a pet does consume Jerusalem Sage, they may experience mild gastrointestinal upset similar to humans, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Monitoring the pet and consulting with a veterinarian is advisable if any adverse reactions are observed.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  3 feet (0.91 meters)
- Spread
  2 feet (0.61 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  Mediterranean

Benefits

General Benefits
- Landscape Aesthetics: Phlomis longifolia, commonly known as Jerusalem sage, adds visual interest to gardens with its long, woolly leaves and whorls of yellow flowers.
- Drought Resistance: Jerusalem sage is exceptionally drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The bright blooms of Jerusalem sage attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Deer Resistance: This plant is considered deer-resistant, which helps to prevent browsing damage in gardens frequented by deer.
- Low Maintenance: Jerusalem sage requires minimal upkeep in terms of watering, feeding, and pruning, which is ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Erosion Control: The sturdy roots of Jerusalem sage help stabilize the soil, reducing erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Architectural Structure: With its upright growth habit, Jerusalem sage can add structure and form to garden design, especially in Mediterranean or drought-tolerant themes.
Medical Properties
- Anti-inflammatory: Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica has been researched for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the context of traditional herbal medicine practices.
- Antioxidant: Components of this plant may contain antioxidant compounds, which can help in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Antibacterial: There are studies that suggest this plant may exhibit antibacterial activity against certain strains of bacteria.
- Antipyretic: In some herbal medicine traditions, the plant has been used for its potential to reduce fever, although clinical evidence is lacking.
Please note: These medical properties are based on ethnobotanical uses and preliminary research. Clinical evidence to fully substantiate these uses is limited, and it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using this plant for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Dye Production: Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica can be used to extract natural dyes for textile coloring, yielding varying shades depending on the mordant used.
- Bioindicator: The health and prevalence of this plant in its natural habitat can serve as a bioindicator for the ecological state of the area.
- Garden Structure: The stiff, upright stems of the plant provide structure and support for other plants in garden designs.
- Winter Interest: With its evergreen foliage and seed heads that persist through winter, it can offer visual interest in gardens during the colder months.
- Soil Stabilization: The deep root system of Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and banks.
- Companion Planting: The plant may be used in companion planting to provide benefits such as pest control or mutual growth support for other plants.
- Fiber Source: The stems of the plant can be processed to extract fibers that may be used in traditional handicrafts or paper making.
- Windbreak: Due to its robust nature, it can be planted in rows to act as windbreaks in gardens or small farm plots.
- Perfumery: While not commonly known, the plant's aromatic leaves could potentially be used in the creation of natural perfumes and scents.
- Bee and Butterfly Attractant: The flowers of Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica can attract pollinators, supporting the local bee and butterfly populations.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Phlomis plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Phlomis plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Resilience - Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica, commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, has sturdy, weather-resistant leaves, symbolizing the ability to withstand and thrive through adversity.
- Protection - With its dense foliage, Jerusalem Sage can represent safety and shelter, providing a protective barrier in gardens much like it offers protective qualities in a symbolic sense.
- Healing - This plant has been used in traditional medicine, and thus can represent healing and the soothing of ailments.
- Wisdom - Jerusalem Sage carries an association with wisdom due to its name connection with the ancient city of Jerusalem, a place historically associated with knowledge and learning.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Jerusalem Sage should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This plant is drought-tolerant once established, so it typically needs water only once every 7 to 10 days during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months. You should give it about 1 to 2 gallons of water per watering for an average-sized plant, ensuring you're soaking the root zone. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to check the soil moisture before adding water.
Light
Jerusalem Sage thrives in full sun, so positioning this plant in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. These plants can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade will hinder their growth and flowering potential.
Temperature
Jerusalem Sage prefers warm conditions and can tolerate a temperature range from about 20 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 70 degrees. They can withstand colder temperatures down to around 10 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, but prolonged exposure to cold can damage or kill the plant.
Pruning
Prune Jerusalem Sage in early Spring to remove any dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant; this also encourages new growth and flowering. Additionally, after flowering, you can deadhead the spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance and possibly promote a second bloom. It's not necessary to prune these plants frequently, once per year should suffice.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Jerusalem Sage prefers well-draining soil mixed with coarse sand or perlite to improve aeration. The ideal soil pH for Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Repotting
Jerusalem Sage should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Humidity & Misting
Jerusalem Sage thrives in moderate humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate drier air typical of Mediterranean climates. Therefore, specific humidity adjustments are usually not necessary for this plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright light, limit watering, and ensure pot has drainage.
- Outdoor
  Choose sunny spot, well-draining soil, and water sparingly.
- Hardiness zone
  7-10 USDA
Life cycle
Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica, also known as Baikal Skullcap, initiates its life cycle from seed germination which occurs in a suitable environment with the right temperature and moisture conditions. Seedlings develop into juvenile plants with the formation of a basic root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it grows vigorously, establishing a more substantial root structure and robust stems, while foliage expands. In the reproductive stage, the Baikal Skullcap produces distinctive hooded flowers that attract pollinators, leading to the production of seeds within the flower's calyx. After pollination and seed set, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, particularly in regions with a cold winter climate. At the end of its lifecycle, the plant may die back, especially after producing seeds, but can also regrow from its perennial rootstock or remaining seeds continue the species' existence into the next season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: Phlomis longifolia var. bailanica, commonly known as Jerusalem Sage, is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy, mature plant during the late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The ideal cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the surface where roots can form. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a warm, well-lit area without direct sunlight. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or planted directly in the garden.