Phlomoides (Phlomis) tuberosa 'Amazone'

Sage-leaved Mullein Lamiaceae

A particularly handsome selection of Phlomoides tuberosa, raised by the celebrated German plantsman Ernst Pagels, ‘Amazone’ is the sort of plant that clearly believes vertical gardening was invented for its benefit. Dark, purplish stems rise well above the handsome, coarse-textured foliage, carrying tiers of soft lilac-pink, hooded flowers in summer. The spent flowerheads are almost as good as the flowers themselves, remaining upright well into winter and providing excellent architectural structure. More vigorous and taller than the species, it is a superb choice for a sunny, dry border, gravel garden or prairie planting, and is particularly attractive to bees.

Nomenclature: Phlomoides tuberosa ‘Amazone’ is the currently accepted combination following the transfer of the species from Phlomis to Phlomoides. ‘Amazone’ remains widely encountered in horticulture under the former name Phlomis tuberosa ‘Amazone’.

Breeder: Ernst Pagels, Germany.

Height: 90–150cm
Spread: 60–90cm
Flowering: July–September
Hardiness: H5 (-15 to -10°C)

Photo:

Kurt Stüber