Turkish Sage Seeds — Phlomis russeliana

Architectural Whorls of Gold — a Bold and Beautiful Border Perennial

Phlomis russeliana, Turkish Sage, is one of the most striking and architectural perennials you can grow. Rising on tall, sturdy stems, the flowers are arranged in distinctive tiered whorls — rings of soft golden-yellow hooded blooms stacked one above the other like a candelabra — creating a bold vertical statement that is quite unlike anything else in the border. Equally beautiful in flower and in seed, the dried whorls persist through autumn and winter, providing structure and interest long after most perennials have faded. A plant of real presence and year-round value.

Why Gardeners Love It

• 🌼 Distinctive tiered flower whorls — rings of hooded golden-yellow blooms stacked in tiers along tall stems, a truly architectural effect
• 🍂 Outstanding year-round structure — the dried seed whorls persist through autumn and winter, providing sculptural interest in the garden long after flowering
• 🐝 Excellent for pollinators — the flowers are a magnet for bees and other beneficial insects throughout summer
• 🌿 Bold, handsome foliage — large, wrinkled, sage-like leaves form a substantial ground-covering clump, suppressing weeds effectively
• 🌱 Tough and long-lived — once established, Phlomis russeliana is drought tolerant, robust, and reliably perennial
• 🎨 Superb border plant — works beautifully as a mid-border statement plant, combining well with grasses, salvias, and other bold perennials

Growing Tips for New Zealand

Sow Phlomis russeliana seeds in trays in late winter or spring. Surface sow onto moist seed-raising mix and cover lightly; seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification — place in a damp paper towel in the fridge for 2–4 weeks before sowing to improve germination rates. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle, spacing plants 60–90cm apart as they form substantial clumps. Phlomis russeliana thrives in a sunny, well-drained position and is notably drought tolerant once established. It performs well in most NZ conditions and is particularly suited to drier, sunnier gardens. Cut back old stems in late winter to make way for fresh growth. Leave the decorative seed whorls standing through winter for maximum garden interest.

What's in the Packet

Each packet contains 10 seeds of Turkish Sage (Phlomis russeliana), with growing instructions included.