Jerusalem Sage

Scientific name: Phlomis fruticosa

INTRODUCTION

Jerusalem sage is an evergreen shrub sporting bright yellow whorls of flowers that bloom up and down the stems, and soft, gray-green leaves. Both the stems and leaves are fuzzy, and the entire shrub grows to be about 3-4 feet tall. Phlomis fruticosa is actually part of the mint family, but because the leaves are reminiscent of sage leaves, it came to be called Jerusalem sage.

Native to the Mediterranean, this decorative shrub attracts pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, with its aromatic flower clusters that are shaped like mini-chandeliers. At the same time, Jerusalem sage is deer- and rabbit-resistant, as well as drought-tolerant, so it does well in dry regions and can be seen in more than one location at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas.