Jerusalem Sage, also known as Phlomis fruticosa, is a versatile and attractive plant that can be used in various ways in your garden. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerusalem Sage and have discovered a few great uses for this plant.
1. Accent in an herb garden: Jerusalem Sage can add a beautiful and unique touch to an herb garden. Its silver-gray foliage and tall, upright growth habit make it stand out among other herbs. Plant it alongside culinary herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to create an eye-catching display.
2. Raised planters or containers: If you have limited space or prefer container gardening, Jerusalem Sage can be a wonderful addition to raised planters or containers. Its drought-tolerant nature makes it suitable for these environments, and its height adds vertical interest to your containers. Mix it with other flowering perennials or ornamental grasses for a stunning combination.
3. Vegetable gardens: Jerusalem Sage can also be used in vegetable gardens as an ornamental accent plant. Its silver foliage provides a striking contrast to the greenery of vegetable plants, creating a visually appealing arrangement. Be sure to plant it in a location where it won’t shade or compete with your vegetable crops.
4. Dried flower arrangements: The flower heads and seeds of Jerusalem Sage can be dried and used in flower arrangements. The unique shape and color of the flower heads add an interesting element to dried bouquets. Simply cut the flower stems when the flowers are fully open and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area until they are completely dry. They can then be used in various floral creations.
Combining Jerusalem Sage with other plants can enhance its beauty and create stunning combinations. For example, pairing it with Salvia greggii, commonly known as Autumn Sage, can create a vibrant and colorful display. The contrast between the pink or red flowers of Salvia greggii and the silver foliage of Jerusalem Sage is truly eye-catching. Similarly, combining it with Salvia leucantha, also known as Mexican Bush Sage, or Salvia clevelandii, commonly known as Cleveland Sage, can create a striking contrast of textures and colors.
Jerusalem Sage is a versatile plant that can be used in different ways to add beauty and interest to your garden. Whether you choose to use it as an accent in an herb garden, in raised planters or containers, or in vegetable gardens, its unique silver-gray foliage and attractive flower heads make it a valuable addition. Don’t forget to try drying the flower heads for use in dried flower arrangements. Experiment with different combinations to find the best way to showcase this lovely plant in your garden.
