You know when a special relationship is on the horizon. You meet someone and you know in your heart that this is more than a casual, chance meeting. Something is happening, making you giddy and excited.
That's how I felt with Jerusalem Sage ( Phlomis fruticosa). I remember when I first saw it. I was on a garden tour on Vashon Island and spotted it in bloom. The plant was over four feet tall and sporting these amazing yellow blooms that looked like something straight out of Doctor Seuss.
The relationship got off to a rocky start, when I asked the garden owner to introduce us. He shook his head, "This? It's a weed. You don't want it."
Oh, but I did, and I knew we would be together soon. After a little searching, I found one for sale and brought it home. We have been been happy together every since. I think the owner considered it a weed because it is actually a relative a mint, and a vigorous grower, spreading nearly twice it's size every year. But that's just one of the things I love about it -- more to share.
Here are a few other things I love.
• You can deadhead it and it will bloom again
• If you don't deadhead, the spent seed pods are as cool looking at the bloom.
• It brightens the garden in the spring
• Is drought tolerant and stands well in the sun (needs a little staking in the shade)
• Loves both good soil and poor.
Who couldn't fall for this wonderful plant? I'm testing it as a cut flower, hoping I can add another thing to the reasons I love it.
Have a relationship with a plant? Would love to hear about it.
Di