Purple phlomis

Phlomis purpurea

Phlomis purpurea in May 2013 on low irrigation. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

UC Davis is located in Davis, California, this site has a silty clay loam soil and plants are irrigated with potable water. More information about the field sites is located in the Nuts & Bolts section.

This gray-foliaged Mediterranean plant performed best on the three lowest levels of irrigation. Growth differences did not show consistent variation dependent on irrigation. The lavender flower spikes are attractive, though not a striking contrast to the foliage color. The plant appearance is much improved if these are removed after flowering, and the drop in size on the growth charts reflects post-flowering pruning. This unusual shrubby perennial would make a nice addition to a low-water use design for its foliage color and flexible range of lower irrigation levels. The master gardeners did not evaluate this species.

Basic Info

Submitted by:	UC Davis Arboretum All-Stars
Site(s):	UC Davis
Trial Exposure:	Sun
Year evaluated:	2013
Height & Width after 2 years:	3.2' x 2.5'
Reported Height & Width at maturity:	4-6' x 4-6'
WUCOLS plant type:	S A
Water Needs & WUCOLS Region:	Low - Region 2
Mean Overall Appearance rating: (1-5 Scale, 5 is highest)	3.7
Flowering Months:	March-December

Growth and Quality Data

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Phlomis purpurea in September 2013 on low irrigation. Photo: SK Reid.