Tuberous Jerusalem Sage

Phlomoides tuberosa

Native to:
Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Romania, Russia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Ukraine

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Lamiaceae
Genus:
Phlomoides
Species:
Phlomoides tuberosa
USDA Symbol:
PHTU2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple, lavender

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Native to steppe and grassland habitats adapted to periodic fire; resprouts from tuberous roots.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky slopes and meadows

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best with cold stratification. Light may aid germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society