Syrian ragweed (Phlomis russeliana) amazes many a viewer. The inflorescences of this perennial are distributed in tiers in several false whorls along the flowering shoots. Each of the yellow lipped flowers is bell-shaped, which makes the inflorescences look like decorative flower wreaths.
Also known as Russel-Bartweed or Goldquirl, the Syrian sagebrush is still relatively unknown among the ornamental shrubs for the home garden. However, recently in numerous botanical gardens you can see passers-by standing puzzled in front of the beautiful ornamental plant. Its unique appearance impresses the viewer relatively quickly. On the other hand, one often looks in vain for the name, because flower bed markers are quickly overgrown by the flowering plant.
The Phlomis russeliana, which is up to 100 cm high, is known for its clump-forming growth, which grows quite opaque above the bed. Not only the yellow glowing whorls, but also the pinnate leaf blades are a real eye-catcher. While the oppositely arranged leaves form a heart-shaped carpet of leaves at the base, they lie more egg-shaped around the flowering stem below the inflorescence. The leaves are slightly hairy and give the Syrian ragweed a slightly silvery-green shimmer.
Syriac sage in the garden
As the name suggests, Syrian ragweed comes mainly from the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to Syria, it also thrives quite luxuriantly in Iran and Turkey. To the east, the distribution area extends to Central Asia, where the Syrian ragweed, like in northern Anatolia, prefers light coniferous and deciduous forests and wooded mountainous regions. Phlomis russeliana also likes to populate hazel bushes at altitudes of up to 1700 m.
| Syrian ragweed (Phlomis russeliana) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | carpet-like, forms runners, tall inflorescences |
| Growth: | 80 - 1000 cm |
| Growth: | 40 - 60 cm |
| Flowering: | June - July |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry to fresh, loamy sandy,humus, permeable |
In the home garden, Syrian ragweed is suitable for the woody edge of natural and forest gardens. Tall trees and shrubs give good shelter from winter cold here, with Phlomis russeliana being very hardy despite its origins in warmer climates. The plant's resistance to cold corresponds to USDA zone 4, which certifies a winter hardiness of up to 34.4 °C. So you can cultivate Syrian ragweed in the garden for several years without any problems.
Because of its unique flowering, Syrian ragweed is also recommended for flower gardens and flower beds. Phlomis russeliana is also an ideal complement for perennial gardens, where it is excellent with violet flowering perennials, tall flowers and herbaceous perennials such as
✅ Aster
✅ Blue Diamond
✅ Foxglove
✅ Germander✅ Mullein
✅ Lavender
✅ Wild Sage
✅ Cranesbillharmonises. Ornamental grasses and other species of sagebrush, such as the violet-flowering tuberous sagebrush (Phlomis tuberosa) or the pink-white Samos sagebrush (Phlomis samia), are also interesting combination options.
If you don't plant the Russel sagebrush in flower beds or borders, you can also plant it wonderfully on embankments. As a high-growing ground cover, it wonderfully conceals bare slopes here. And even in the rock garden, the heat-spoiled plant can be settled wonderfully.
Syrian ragweed - location and planting
Syrian ragweed prefers sunny locations, but also does well in partial shade. The prerequisite for this, however, is that the soil is well drained and relatively dry. It is therefore best to choose a sandy-loamy substrate that guarantees good water drainage. Adequate humus and nutrient content of the soil is also recommended. The pH of the soil should be neutral, between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant tolerates calcareous substrates.
➜ Planting instructions in 3 steps
- Step - Planting time
The best time to plant russet sagebrush is in late spring or early summer after the ice saints in front. Here, the heat-loving flowering perennial is no longer threatened by late frosts, which is why it can establish itself more quickly at the location. The ideal planting time is therefore mid to late May or a date in the following summer months. - Step - Prepare the soil
Soil that is too heavy should be loosened up with sand before planting. One is also recommendedGravel drainage in the root area to avoid waterlogging. As basic fertilization you can bring a handful of mature compost into the substrate. - Step - Planting distance and root barrier
The correct planting distance for Phlomis russeliana is approx. 50 cm. There should not be more than 4 to 6 perennials per square meter. Because Syrian ragweed also tends to proliferate, it makes sense to place root barriers in the planting hole. Alternatively, strong competitive companion plants such as asters, cranesbills or ornamental grasses limit the spread of the plant in the bed.
Water and fertilize Syrian ragweed
In its care, Syrian ragweed is very frugal. As long as there is sufficient natural precipitation, there is hardly any need for irrigation. In prolonged dry periods, however, manual watering is advisable, even if Phlomis russeliana otherwise tends to be dry. Because the leaves of the plant tend to quickly become unsightly when it is dry. Regular waterings are therefore indicated, especially in hot summers. Please only water from below and comparatively sparingly to prevent waterlogging.
For fertilization it is sufficient to give out some compost once in spring. Fertilize preferably in spring shortly after pruning to guarantee lush new growth.
» Important: Despite sufficient care, it can take up to two years before Phlomis russeliana sprout for the first time at the new location. The exotic plant sometimes takes a long time to fully settle into the location. After that, however, it is extremely long-lived and blooms happily.
Pruning and propagating Syrian sage
Syriac ragweed makes a wonderful cut flower. You can therefore easily take beautiful specimens for decorative purposes during the flowering period from June to July. A complete pruning is then done in spring, whereby the dried parts of the plant are shortened close to the ground.
➜ Propagation by stolons
Phlomis russeliana spreads quite reliably at the site. This is usually done via root suckers, which can also be used to propagate the plant. Simply separate the offshoots from the mother plant and then replant them. This type of propagation can also prevent the Syrian ragweed from spreading too much in the bed.
➜ Propagation by root division
A complete division of the mother plant is in Syrian sagealso possible. After 10 or 15 years at the latest, the roots should even be divided urgently in order to rejuvenate the plant. Simply dig up the perennial in spring and divide the root ball into two equal parts with a spade. Please be careful not to crush the roots during division.
➜ Propagation by seed
As an alternative to propagation by root division or stolons, you can also collect the seeds of the Syrian ragweed in autumn for controlled sowing. The Klausen fruits can be sown directly on the spot without pre-cultivation.
» Attention: Syrian ragweed is extremely site-loyal and should only be moved or partially transplanted if necessary. As with the original plant, the sections also sprout new flowers a little later - after two to three years. Therefore, for propagation without rejuvenation, propagation via runners or sowing is preferable.
Overwintering Syrian ragweed correctly
As already mentioned, Phlomis russeliana is actually very hardy. However, the plant does not like icy melt water, which is why wilted parts of the plant are usually left on the plant over the winter. In this way, the flowering perennial itself offers a light winter protection. If heavy precipitation is to be expected in winter, additional winter protection from brushwood can be useful.
Diseases and Pests
Pests such as snails rarely take hold of Phlomis russeliana or avoid the perennial altogether. However, permanent moisture at the site can cause plant diseases. On the one hand, persistent waterlogging threatens the dreaded root rot. Gardeners often only notice it when it is already too late. Because as soon as the leaves of the plant have turned brown, the roots can usually no longer be saved.
Another type of damage that can be attributed to excessive moisture in the Syrian ragweed is downy mildew. It can be recognized by the grey-white fungal coating on the underside of the plant's leaves. The leaves must then be removed immediately to prevent the fungal spores from spreading further in the bed. After that, a treatment with field horsetail broth can help to nurture the plant back to he alth. From then on, the location must be kept dry so that the downy mildew does not germinate again.