Phlomis russeliana
Brandkraut
Common names: Russell's Brandkraut
Photo: CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Phlomis russeliana produces conspicuous yellow flower whorls from early June (week 23) that sit in tiers on upright stems. The large, soft-fuzzy leaves form a dense, weed‑suppressing mat at the base. After flowering, the round seed heads remain on the plant into winter, adding structure to the bed even under frost. The perennial originates from western Asia and is reliably winter‑hardy in sunny, dry sites. Bees and bumblebees readily visit the flower tiers, making it a valuable plant for naturalistic gardens.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun on a warm, well‑drained, somewhat lean soil; avoid damp sites. Water regularly during the first weeks after planting (best mid‑May, week 20), then rainfall usually suffices. Leave spent stems until late winter to provide seed heads and insect shelter; cut them back close to the ground in February or March. Fertilization is rarely needed; a thin layer of compost in spring is adequate. Every three to four years, divide the mat to keep the plant vigorous and to produce new plants for other beds.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, loamy, lime-loving, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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