Light the lampwick

As well as being drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, phlomis – also known as lampwick – provides architectural impact and nectar for bees, says Hazel Sillver

- Hazel Sillver

IF you plant phlomis (also known as Jerusalem sage or lampwick), guaranteed visitor after visitor will ask what it is. These imposing perennials and shrubs, which produce rings of flowers on rigid, tall stems, are so rarely grown that most people are unfamiliar with them. Thankfully, that is changing. Due to the growing trend for drought-resistant gravel gardens, these stalwarts - which hail from the stony maquis of the Mediterranean - are becoming more widely available.

Ideal for ground cover

If your garden conditions suit phlomis, they are worth growing. Not only are they resilient, low-maintenance plants, but they also provide ground cover and prevent weeds by being allelopathic (they release chemicals). They look great, too, creating vertical structure in the border. They bloom in dense whorls of yellow, pink or white, widely spaced on upright stems. Bumblebees visit the flowers during summer, and then the plant adds interest over winter with attractive seedheads.

"Phlomis is Greek for flame and, in the ancient world, the plant was used to create lamp wicks,” explains Beth Smith, who holds the National Collection of phlomis. 'Hence one of its common names: lampwick. The other common name, Jerusalem sage, is a misnomer because it isn't found near the city, but it may be so named because the flowers resemble a style of Jewish headwear."

Beth's phlomis thrive in her garden on the North Devon coast. “They love the Mediterranean conditions here - full sun and very well-drained soil,” she says. “Phlomis will grow on almost any soil as long as it is well drained, so use plenty of grit when planting. They need full sun in our climate, although in the Med they tolerate partial sun."

Where to buy

Beth Chatto 01206 822007 bethchatto.co.uk