Troubleshooting
Bove's Jerusalem Sage problems — and how to fix them
Bove's Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis bovei) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Winter frost and wet damage
Being of North African origin, this species is less cold-hardy than some European phlomis; protect the crown with a deep grit mulch in zones 9 and below, and bring containerised plants under cover during hard frosts.
Grey mould (Botrytis cinerea)
The dense woolly foliage can trap moisture and harbour Botrytis in cool, wet conditions; improve air circulation by lightly thinning the interior of the plant and avoid wetting foliage during watering.
Prevent bove's jerusalem sage problems before they start
Most bove's jerusalem sage issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bove's Jerusalem Sage problems — FAQ
Why is my bove's jerusalem sage winter frost and wet damage?
Being of North African origin, this species is less cold-hardy than some European phlomis; protect the crown with a deep grit mulch in zones 9 and below, and bring containerised plants under cover during hard frosts.
Why is my bove's jerusalem sage grey mould (botrytis cinerea)?
The dense woolly foliage can trap moisture and harbour Botrytis in cool, wet conditions; improve air circulation by lightly thinning the interior of the plant and avoid wetting foliage during watering.