Phlomis ‘Sunrays’

Common Name:

Phlomis 'Sunrays' / Jerusalem Sage

Description:

Phlomis 'Sunrays' is a striking, water-wise perennial shrub prized for its vibrant golden-yellow flowers and attractive, soft, silvery-grey foliage. Producing distinctive clusters of hooded, tubular flowers arranged in whorls along upright stems, this Mediterranean-style plant brings bold colour, texture and architectural interest to garden beds and borders. Its velvety, lance-shaped leaves provide year-round appeal, creating a beautiful contrast against the cheerful yellow blooms that appear predominantly from late spring through summer. Growing to approximately 1.2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, 'Sunrays' develops a naturally bushy, rounded habit, making it ideal for mass planting, informal hedging, cottage gardens, coastal landscapes and drought-tolerant garden designs. The nectar-rich flowers are particularly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators. Exceptionally well suited to Melbourne's climate, this hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, dry conditions and coastal exposure once established. It requires minimal watering after establishment and benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a compact shape and encourage fresh growth. Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged soils, particularly during winter. With its brilliant yellow flowers, beautiful silver-toned foliage and outstanding drought tolerance, Phlomis 'Sunrays' is an excellent choice for creating a colourful, resilient and low-maintenance garden.

Form:

- Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.2 m

• Width: 1 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:

• Golden Yellow

• Bright Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Bee Attracting

• Coastal Tolerant

• Drought Tolerant Once Established

• Evergreen

• Heat Tolerant

• Low Maintenance

• Mediterranean Garden Suitable

• Perennial

• Pollinator Friendly

• Silver-Grey Foliage

• Suitable for Cottage Gardens

• Suitable for Cut Flowers

• Suitable for Dry Gardens

• Suitable for Informal Hedging

• Suitable for Mass Planting

• Suitable for Pots

• Water Wise

• Wind Tolerant

Toxicity:

Phlomis 'Sunrays' is not generally regarded as highly toxic to humans, dogs or cats, although specific toxicity information for this cultivar is limited. Ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals or pets. The plant is grown for ornamental purposes and is not recommended for consumption.

Companion Plants:

• Achillea (Yarrow)

• Agapanthus

• Cistus (Rock Rose)

• Convolvulus cneorum (Silver Bush)

• Echinacea (Coneflower)

• Euphorbia characias

• Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue)

• Gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri)

• Lavender (Lavandula)

• Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas Sage)

• Perovskia (Russian Sage)

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• Salvia nemorosa

• Santolina chamaecyparissus (Cotton Lavender)

• Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary)