Phlomis lychnitis aka Lampwickplant

Phlomis lychnitis, the lampwick plant, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Kew places its native range from southern France through Iberia into Morocco. This includes Spain and Portugal. It grows in rocky ground, open woods, and low scrub called garigue. These sites often have lime-rich soils. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This small shrub or subshrub reaches about 1.6 feet (0.5 m). Plants for a Future describes it as deciduous. It spreads through suckers that grow below ground. These can extend the clump beyond its first planting spot. The supplied sources give no firm figure for its mature width. Its low height makes it a small-scale choice for cultivated beds. Its habit of spreading deserves space when choosing a site.

Flowers appear from June through August, according to Plants for a Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. The supplied species-level evidence does not describe flower colour or shape. It also gives no details of fruit, bark, or leaves. The RHS page describes these features only for the wider genus. Those traits cannot safely stand for this species alone.

Grow it in full sun, with shelter from cold winds. It needs soil that drains well and does not grow in shade. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can suit it where drainage is good. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline ground. The cultivation notes favour dry soil, though the profile also allows moist soil. Plants for a Future reports hardiness to about 14°F (−10°C). It lists USDA zones 7–10. Its preference for sun and dry ground suits a sheltered bed.

Raise plants from seed in a greenhouse in spring. Cover the seeds lightly; the source reports quick germination. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them in the greenhouse through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Division offers another route in spring or autumn. The plant has a reported use as a sage substitute or adulterant. No edible part is named. Plants for a Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That limited hazard statement does not establish safety for people or pets.