Wooly Lampwick
Phlomis lanata · Lamiaceae
📷 Ghislain118 (AD) http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant wooly lampwick: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, covered with fine grey and downy pubescence
- Flowering
- May to July, pale yellow flowers in whorls
- Mature size
- Approximately 90 cm in height for 60-80 cm in width
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -10 to -12 °C depending on conditions
- Origin
- Mediterranean region and Middle East
- Soil type
- Well-drained, chalky, poor to medium, drought-tolerant
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Ultra-draining Mediterranean plant: needs rocky, even skeletal soil. Very rare watering once established (drought-tolerant).
The common mistake
Watering too frequently or over-enriching the soil; it rots from excess moisture and produces soft, poorly-flowering foliage.
The pro's trick
Plant it in raised beds (rock garden, mound) or elevated pots; water drains quickly and it'll put on a stunning magenta display without risk.
Seasonal watch
Wet autumn: during prolonged rain, it may struggle; check for standing water at the base and lightly aerate the soil surface.
Care
Watering
Woolly phlomis is very drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately at planting and during the first growing season. Afterwards, reduce watering: only water during prolonged very dry periods. In containers, ensure the substrate dries well between waterings to avoid waterlogging.
Sunlight
Place phlomis in full sun: minimum 6 hours of direct daily sunlight, ideally more. This exposure is essential for a dense habit, intensifying the grey foliage and promoting abundant flowering. Partial shade weakens the plant and reduces flowering.
Soil and planting
Favour light, well-drained and chalky soil. Enrich with sand or gravel if your soil is too heavy or clayey. Absolutely avoid wet and poorly drained soils, which cause root rot. Poor soil is perfectly suitable; overly rich soil promotes growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Perform light pruning in late winter (February-March) to maintain a compact and dense shape. Cut back approximately one third of previous stems. After flowering, you can remove faded flowers to encourage further flowering. Remove dead or damaged stems throughout the year.
Fertiliser
Woolly phlomis does not require regular fertiliser, especially if growing in naturally chalky soil. A very moderate application of balanced fertiliser in spring (low nitrogen) is quite sufficient. Excess fertiliser weakens resistance and causes soft growth.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and rarely affected by diseases under optimal conditions (well-drained soil, good sunlight). Root rot is the main risk in case of excess moisture. Occasional pests (spider mites in very dry climates, aphids) remain rare. Maintain good air circulation and well-drained soil to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
Woolly phlomis takes its name from the Greek 'phlomis', an ancient word for a plant in the Lamiaceae family. Its common name 'woolly' comes from the remarkable grey-silver down covering the leaves and stems: this fine pubescence is actually a botanical adaptation to reduce evaporation in dry, hot Mediterranean climates. This elegant 'grey attire' was once highly prized in Mediterranean and Provençal style gardens in the nineteenth century.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- SageSalvia officinalis
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.