Brightened by white heavily veined undersides and light fuzzy stems, thick heart-shaped pewter green leaves craft a handsome flanneled appearance. Stiff swarthy stalks thrust upward, interspersed with large long lasting showy whorls of spicy scented helmet-like, rich yellow flowers. This rugged shrubby perennial develops a somewhat woody foundation over time, and always brings fulgent accents to hot exposed slopes, wind-swept seaside plantings or any other sharp-draining sunny locale.

Blooms June–September.

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 3' 0" – 4' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 7.

With a rugged constitution yet stately stature, this enduring Himalayan denizen spawns 12 in. long, spade-shaped gray-green leaves that emphasize a felted aspect, scalloped margins plus luminous silver undersides. Stout woolly stems shoulder the large whorled clusters of tubular lilac-pink blooms above a soft-looking bushy foundation. Adored by birds, bees and butterflies, Phlomis cashmeriana remains evergreen in milder climates, while appreciating proper air circulation, sunshine galore and sharp-draining soil.

Blooms June–August

Size: 2' 0" – 3' 0" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Launched in 1967 by Hilliers, a celebrated British nursery that supposedly received the namesake’s own garden seed, this grand hard-to-find Phlomis is an evergreen hybrid between Phlomis fruticosa and Phlomis russeliana. Commendable even on frosty winter mornings, the 6 to 10 in. tall spires are studded with large clustered snapdragon-like blooms composed of cream-colored hoods plus lemon-yellow lips. Daring spade-shaped green leaves, flashing felted finishes and silver undersides, attire staunch square upright stems beneath a colorful bumble-bee haven. Versatile, vigorous and dependable, deer-resistant ‘Edward Bowles’s can be added to mixed borders or water thrifty plantings.

Blooms June–early October

Size: 4' 0" high x 4' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 7.

These bright yellow flowers bloom in a series of ball-like clusters known as verticillasters along stout stems and above felted, gray-green foliage. Used as a specimen or blended with Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ or Wood Oats, Phlomis fruticosa will provide bold color and form.

Blooms June–August.

Size: 4' 0" high x 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 6.

A golden aura infuses the small gray-green woolly foliage of this soft-looking 2002 AGM winner. Endemic to Crete, long-lived Phlomis lanata sports yellow hooded flowers, rising in whorled widely spaced tiers above a low compact foundation that wards off deer, rabbits and drought. Its stalwart good looks can be intermingled with Mediterranean neighbors such as Rosemary, Rock Roses and Eryngiums.

Blooms June–September

Size: 2' 0" high x 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 7.

Asserting an architectural profile, thick straight stems broadcast separate whorls of hooded butter-yellow blooms. Its stalwart beauty even perseveres through winter—the stalks look equally impressive whether fresh or spent as they stand above large and broad, heart-shaped olive-green leaves. The fuzzy foliage forms a plush low growing, evergreen cover that keeps those pesky weeds at bay. In our garden, Phlomis russeliana casts dashing accents along a pathway, assorting with Aster ‘Fellowship’ and Molinias.

Blooms June–September

Size: 3' 0" high x 2' 0" & spreading wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

An intriguing architectural marvel, this bushy Mediterranean perennial swaggers tall, muscular upright stems trimmed with whorled fuzzy lilac blooms above a grand evergreen basal rosette. The unique hooded flowers emphasize rosy-pink lips plus purple calyces, while close-knit heart-shaped green leaves sport scalloped margins, gray flip sides and a downy finish. Undaunted by drought, bunnies or deer, easy-care Phlomis samia’s strong vertical habit can invigorate sunny banks, water-wise plantings and large rock gardens.

Blooms June–September

Size: 3-1/2' – 5' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 7.

Distinguished by an AGM and the unusual small potato-like tubers sprouting from its roots, this exceptional Phlomis is adorned with hooded dusty-lilac blossoms, nestled within reddish calyxes, and sturdy deep crimson-tinged flower stalks. Large, toothed arrow-shaped green foliage lends an appealing texture, while grasses and Lavenders make good company.

Blooms May–June

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 12" wide.

Zone 5/6.

With arrow-shaped lush green leaves, lustrous burgundy stalks and tiered wreaths of rosy-lilac tubular flowers on statuesque stems, this well-mannered perennial adds dignity to the landscape. The toothed downy leaves forge a robust generous base that’s semievergreen in many locales and relatively drought tolerant. Equally at home in a formal setting or a meadow planting, versatile ‘Amazone’ can be planted amid Stachys ‘Superba’ and Salvia ‘Amethyst’ for a fantastic purple and pink mélange.

Blooms June–August

Size: 4' 0" – 5' 0" high x 2' 0" – 3' 0" wide.

Zone 4/5.