Phlomis crinita

Shrub of the Lamiaceae family, native to the Iberian Peninsula, mainly found in the arid garrigues and maquis of southern and eastern Spain, as well as in Morocco. It grows on poor, dry soils, often rocky or sandy, in full sun exposure, in formations with low and open vegetation.

It forms a loose bush with erect or slightly arched stems, reaching 60 to 90 cm in height, entirely covered with a dense white-silver tomentum that gives it an almost ghostly appearance, very visible from afar in the garrigue. The leaves are oval to lanceolate, thick, gray-white on both sides.

The flowers, typically bilabiate as in all Phlomis, are bright yellow to yellow-orange, borne in tight whorls along erect floral stems that can reach 80 cm. The upper lip is distinctly arched and hairy. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July.

In cultivation, it requires a perfectly drained, poor soil, in full sun, and easily withstands marked summer drought. It is sensitive to excess winter moisture, which is its main constraint in cultivation under Atlantic or humid continental climates.