How big does Turkish sage grow?

About 90 cm × 75 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1 m × 45–90 cm.

What soil does Turkish sage grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Turkish sage hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Turkish sage flower?

Flowering: June–September, yellow.

How much water does Turkish sage need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Turkish sage cost?

It sells for roughly €5.50 to €6 in local shops, depending on size.

Turkish sage

Phlomis russeliana

Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 75 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €5.50.

Illustration of Turkish sage — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Turkish sage makes a dense, weed-suppressing carpet of large, heart-shaped, felted leaves, and in summer its stiff stems carry tiers of soft yellow flowers in whorls. The dried seed heads stay standing through winter, so leave the cutting back until spring. It is a plant for sunny, dry, well-drained spots, where it slowly widens into a broad patch by rhizomes, so give it room.

Watch out for

It has few problems, but it does not tolerate standing water: in heavy soil that stays wet in winter it rots. Its rhizomes take over a large patch in time; you can keep the edge in check with a spade. Leafhoppers may feed on the leaves. The woolly hairs can irritate skin and airways when you cut it back, so gloves are a good idea.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 75 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 75 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1 m × 45–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €5.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
20-25 cm	approx. €5.50
size not stated	approx. €5.70 – €6

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden

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