Phlomis
Herbaceous plants, sub-shrubs or shrubs in the Lamiaceae family, hardy or tender in the UK. Leaves entire, opposite (each leaf pair at right angles to the next) and rugose or reticulate veined. Bracts (floral leaves) similar or different to the lower leaves. All parts are frequently covered with hairs. Bracteoles, ovate, lanceolate or linear. The flowers are arranged in whorls (verticillasters) round the stems which are usually square in section with rounded corners, although tomentum on the stems can make them appear circular. The colour of the flowers varies from yellow to pink, purple and white. The calyx is tubular or campanulate with 5 or 10 veins visible. 5 teeth, either all equal or with the outer two longer than the others. The upper lip is hood shaped and laterally compressed (P. tuberosa however, has an uncompressed lip with a dense bearded edge). The lower lip is trifid, the central lobe being larger than the lateral ones. 4 stamens ascending under the upper lip. Anther with forked end, the upper fork being shorter than the lower. The fruits are four three sided nutlets, sometimes topped with hair, sometimes glabrous. The root system can be very extensive. I have measured a 6 week seedling’s root at 0.7 m.
There is a NCCPG National Plant Collection® of Phlomis NCCPG National Plant Collection® of Phlomis
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