Phlomis tuberosa

Phlomis tuberosa, unlike shrubby phlomis, is a tuberous and perennial plant that bears a clump of dark green leaves. In late spring, it develops slender leafy inflorescences tinged with purple and adorned with pinkish-violet flowers organised in small staggered bouquets. This nectar-rich plant is perfect for natural gardens, shrub beds, perennial beds, or annual beds. It will thrive in any well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade.

Phlomis tuberosa belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is related to salvias and lavenders. This robust herbaceous perennial plant is native to southeastern Europe, Turkey, and Iran. Capable of adapting to the climate, Phlomis tuberosa will flower in May in Mediterranean-style regions, then go dormant underground during summer before reappearing with the return of rain in September. In cooler climates, it will flower in June-July and go dormant in autumn. Its main enemy is heavy, waterlogged soil in winter, which significantly reduces its cold resistance.

It first develops long-petioled leaves with cordate bases. The dark green leaves are shiny, strongly veined, and wavy, measuring 15 to 20cm (6 to 8in) long and 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) wide. Flowering occurs from May to July, depending on the region. Tall, purple-violet stems with smaller leaves emerge from the stump, reaching 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in) above the ground. At regular intervals, whorls or clusters of small bilabiate, hairy, pinkish flowers speckled with purple form on these stems, attracting pollinating insects. They are enclosed in reddish bracts that persist long after the flowers have faded. They then form decorative clusters resembling moss until autumn. The seeds of this phlomis germinate easily and quickly in light soil.

Phlomis tuberosa can be planted in perennial beds where it will bring a vertical and natural touch. It is also a good companion for early-flowering pastel roses and ornamental grasses. Combine it with purple or green-leaved pennisetum, Muhlenbergia capillaris, or Amaranthus 'Velvet Curtains'. You can also plant it with its cousins from the Lamiaceae family: perennial and shrubby salvias with blue, white, pink, or red flowers, lavenders, rosemary, and catmints. If your soil is clayey and heavy, create a raised bed enriched with gravel to accommodate it (a 30cm (12in) difference in elevation is sufficient).