phlomis ‘Amazone’

Phlomis tuberosa ‘Amazone’. The strangest feature of this member of the Lamiaceae are the whorls of lavender-pink tubular flowers that are borne at each node along dark red stems. This flowering feature, known as verticillasters, seems out-of-place on the plant, but the flowers do attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and birds.

Plants can get quite large–up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The tuber-like root of this Phlomis gives the species its specific epithet. Phlomis tuberosa provides a strong vertical element in the garden and adds to a meadow-like appearance of planted areas. Cultivar ‘Amazone’ is known for its taller presence and more vigorous growth habit, when compared to the species.