This mounding, shrubby perennial with flower spikes similar to snapdragon attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
The soft, wooly, gray-green leaves are covered with fine hairs and resemble the leaves oflambs ear.
As a member of the mint family, it is a moderate to fast grower and drought-tolerant.
In Zones 8-10, Jerusalem sage remains evergreen.
It is attractive both as a specimen or mass planting.
How and When to Plant Jerusalem Sage
Plant Jerusalem sage in the spring.
Dig a hole at least twice the size of the nursery pot and just as deep.
Tamp down the soil and water it well.
Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
Jerusalem Sage Care Tips
Jerusalem sage is a tough, low-maintenance plant.
Light
Plant Jerusalem sage infull sunor partial shade.
In too much shade, the plant becomes leggy.
Watering is only required until the plant is established; afterward, it is drought-tolerant.
Temperature and Humidity
Jerusalem sage thrives in hot, dry conditions while also being cold-hardy.
It is less suited for areas with hot and humid summers.
Fertilizer
Jerusalem sage does not require fertilizer, in fact, too muchnitrogenwill lead to weak growth.
At the most, scatter some compost around the base of the plant in the spring.
Pruning
After the bloom, cutting back the faded flower stems may encourage additional blooming.
Potting and Repotting
Jerusalem sage is suitable to be grown in containers.
Fill the container with well-draining potting mix.
Keep in mind that container plants need more frequent watering and fertilizer than inground plants.
Although the plant is winter-hardy, growing it in a pot exposes its roots to frost and freeze-and-thaw cycles.
When grown as an annual, Jerusalem sage wont require repotting during its single growing season.
Pests and Problems
Except for leafhoppers, Jerusalem sage is not prone to serious pests.
It is deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Press 3 to 4 seeds into the soil and cover it only with a dusting of soil.
Keep the soil evenly moist.
At a temperature around 65 degrees F. germination takes 40 to 60 days.
Thin to the strongest seedling in each pot.
Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last spring frost.
It reaches 2 to 4 feet in height and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet.
The plant is native to central and southeastern Europe and Asia.
It has large, roughly-textured, olive-green, aromatic leaves and pale yellow flowers between June and September.
Its mature height is 2 to 3 feet and its width is 1.5 to 2 feet.
It is native to Spain and North Africa.
In late spring to summer, rosy-lavender hooded flowers appear in whorls just above the woolly, gray-green foliage.
Catmints are easy-care, fast-growing plants.
Vigorous growth and a long bloom time also make this native plant a standout in any garden setting.
The many additional uses of different parts of the plant make them handy to have around.
Bonus points: It is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies and pollinators.
The more your planting site mimics these conditions, the better the plant will do.
Gardeners appreciate it as a groundcover that suppresses weeds.
It is not a commonly used culinary herb but is grown for its ornamental value.
If you want sage for cooking, plantSalvia officinalis, which will provide you with the best flavor.