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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Phlomis tuberosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root
Edible Uses:

Root - cooked[2, 105, 177, 183]. Rich in starch[74] but with a somewhat bitter flavour[K].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a well-drained soil in full sun with shelter from cold winds[200]. Hardy to at least -15°c[200], if the top growth is killed back by the cold the plants will usually regrow. Another report says that it is hardy to about -25°c but is totally deciduous in the winter[187].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. The seed germinates quickly, prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on for their first year in a greenhouse. Plant them out in early summer. Division of the tubers in spring or autumn[200]. Be careful not to damage the tubers[200]. If dividing in the autumn, it is best to store the tubers in a cool but frost-free place over the winter, planting them out in the spring. Spring divisions can be planted out straight away into their permanent positions.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Phlomis fruticosa	Jerusalem Sage, Shrubby Jerusalem sage	Shrub	1.3	4-7	M	LMH	N	DM	0	0	3
Phlomis lychnitis	Lamwick Plant	Shrub	0.5	7-10		LMH	N	DM	1	0
Phlomis russeliana	Jerusalem Sage	Perennial	1.0	5-9	M	LMH	SN	DM	0	0	2
Phlomis samia		Perennial	1.0	6-9		LMH	SN	DM	0	0	2
Phlomis umbrosa		Perennial	1.0	6-9		LMH	N	DM	0	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Phlomis tuberosa - L.