Phlomis tuberosa
Phlomis tuberosa
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Pl. D5F1 — Phlomis tuberosa
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IOverview
Overview
Phlomis tuberosa, known as the tuberous mullein or false foxglove, is a perennial plant native to regions including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soils that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 5-9, this plant grows up to 1.5 meters tall and is known for its edible tuberous roots, which can be consumed after proper preparation. Found across a wide range in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of China, P. tuberosa adds ornamental value with its distinctive spiky flowers, making it a noteworthy addition to gardens.
Quick answers
What is Phlomis tuberosa?
Phlomis tuberosa, known as the tuberous mullein or false foxglove, is a perennial plant native to regions including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soils that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Phlomis tuberosa thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows to a height of 1.5 meters. This perennial plant requires dry to moist conditions and should be propagated by root division. Harvest the edible roots for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Phlomis tuberosa for the first time
8steps
Start with Phlomis tuberosa by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a manageable project for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A sunny spot in your garden, well-draining soil, and some compost or organic matter.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Phlomis tuberosa in early spring or late autumn when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your garden bed has good drainage. Amend with compost if necessary, but avoid overly rich soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from a nursery or divide mature plants in early spring or late autumn.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly during this period to help it establish, but avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base for moisture retention and weed control.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth, but avoid cutting back too much.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using rich soil, neglecting winter protection in colder regions, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Phlomis tuberosa is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is dug up and either cooked or dried before consumption. Skip the raw form as it may not be palatable or safe.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaGreeceHungaryRomaniaRussiaUkraine
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaIranKazakhstanMongoliaTurkey
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Primorye, Transcaucasus, Tuva
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Growing zone
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d5f16577-7514-449f-83f7-37e16f43b007
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