PHLOMIS. Mediterranean region to China. A large group of perennial mints, of which only a few are cultivated here. They may by herbaceous or woody-based, with low crowns of leaves, or they may be full shrubs, as in the most popular species. The leaves are highly variable in size and shape, though neatly arranged in opposing pairs. Often they are woolly. The flower stems, borne mostly in spring and summer at the shoot tips, can be quite tall. Spaced along them are tight, usually ball-like clusters of buds which open in lengthy succession into large, colorful, highly irregular flowers. Each flower has a hooded upper lip and a more open, spreading lower lip, much like some of the salvias. These are rugged and attractive plants for sunny sites. Depending on their size, they may be displayed as individual specimens or grouped in borders and mass plantings. They thrive in full exposure, with reasonably well drained soil and moderate to occasional, deep watering. The following are hardy to 0^oF or less.

tuberosa. I had tried this interesting perennial once before but found it reluctant to bloom. The current material from Jelitto is nearly the opposite, starting to flower a few months out of the seed flat. It bears little resemblance to P. fruticosa. In place of leafy, woody stems it has low basal rosettes of nearly heart shaped leaves up to 10“ long. From each rosette rises a 3-6' stem, bearing interrupted clusters of two-lipped pink to purple flowers in late spring. This is an unusual border perennial, giving an effect similar to that of the taller foxgloves. It dies down in winter, returning in spring from tuberous roots.