PHLOMIS purpurea Alba

Interesting variety of Phlomis purpurea, a perennial and evergreen shrub, with a constant but rather slow growth and a thick, regular and globular habit, native to the western Mediterranean basin: at its maximum development it can exceed 120 cm in height and grow in width to the approximately the same extent. Branched and well lignified from the base, it has numerous erect semi-woody stems that rise upwards, branch out repeatedly and orient themselves in every direction in such a way as to give the plant an orderly, compact and rounded shape. The leaves, opposite and tomentose, thick, lanceolate with slightly crenulated margins and obtuse apex, are gray-green in color. In full spring, in the apical portions of the branches of the year, abundant circular inflorescences appear composed of tubular white flowers.

It prefers very bright and sunny exposures and preferably loose, poor soils, even stony or sandy, as long as they are permeable. It endures both prolonged periods of drought and the salinity typical of sea winds in coastal regions. It tolerates minimum winter temperatures, only a few degrees below zero, and therefore where cold is intense and long lasting it is preferable to choose a sheltered and protected location, or guarantee it shelter in a cool and bright environment in winter. In autumn, the various dried flower stems can be eliminated together with damaged, old or cluttered parts: on this occasion, we can slightly reduce the various stems to allow a denser and more harmonious growth and increase the subsequent flowering. Excellent on terraces and balconies, as long as sufficiently large pots or containers are used and the draining nature of the soil is controlled. In the open ground, blending perfectly with many other Mediterranean essences, it helps us to create a sunny and dry garden with a wild flavor: imagine it in linear succession of several specimens to build truly original evergreen borders.