Phlomis italica

Phlomis are one of my current favourites, with me seeking out new varieties to trial in the garden.  Whilst garden stalwarts like Phlomis russeliana and Phlomis fruitcosa have their place, my quest is to trial some of the more interesting and lesser seen varieties.  One such herbaceous species is Phlomis samia, with muted pink flowers, my plants are yet to flower but I have high hopes.  When it comes to shrubby Phlomis, unfortunately some seem destined to failure in my wet, cold garden in Shropshire.  However one species which does extremely well is Phlomis italica or the Balearic Island Sage.  Reaching around a metre in diameter, it has beautiful silvery foliage which stays on the plant throughout the year (I have found that in extremely hard winters it can loose some of the foliage).  Throughout summer gorgeous soft pink flowers are borne in abundance.

£6.50