Ironwort tuberous 2L

Ironwort tuberous – Decorative and Hardy Perennial

The tuberous ironwort (Phlomoides tuberosa, formerly Phlomis tuberosa) is a unique perennial with an erect habit, characterized by stacked inflorescences in a pink-purple shade and attractive foliage. It is a plant extremely resistant to harsh conditions, including drought, which makes it an excellent choice for naturalistic gardens, prairie gardens and dry beds.

Main characteristics of tuberous ironwort

Flowers

• Colour: Rosy purple.
• Shape: The flowers are small, labial, gathered in characteristic whorls, arranged in tiers on the stem.
• Flowering period: June–August, and the dried inflorescences remain decorative also in winter.
• Decorativeness: It attracts pollinating insects, especially bees and butterflies.

List

• Colour: Dark green, slightly wrinkled, covered with a delicate cuttle, which gives them a slightly gray shade.
• Shape: Heart-shaped at the base, more lanceolate higher on the shoot.
• Decorativeness: They form compact clumps, remaining attractive throughout the season.

Roots and tubers

• Tubers: Thick, water-storing, which provides the plant with drought resistance.

Cut

• Form: It is erect, with a clearly marked multi-storey arrangement of flowers.
• Height: 100–150 cm.
• Width: It grows 50–80 cm, forming impressive clumps.

Cultivation requirements of the tuberous ironwort

Location and soil

• Position: Full sun or light partial shade – the more light, the better the flowering.
• Soil: Permeable, dry to moderately moist, sandy loam.
• Humidity: It tolerates drought very well thanks to its tuberous roots.

Watering and fertilizing

• Watering: Minimal – drought-resistant plant, watering required only during periods of prolonged heat.
• Fertilization: It does not require intensive fertilization, in spring you can use organic fertilizer or compost.

Care

• Trimming: After flowering, you can trim the inflorescences, but it is worth leaving them for the winter as a decoration.
• Reproduction: By dividing the clumps in spring or by seeds sown in autumn.
• Wintering: Fully frost hardy (zone 4–8), does not require covering.

Application of tuberous iron

Flower beds and garden compositions

• Mixed beds: It goes well with rudbeckias, coneflowers, ornamental grasses and other prairie perennials.
• Structural Touch: Thanks to its erect habit and multi-layered flowering, it gives the beds rhythm and dynamics.

Edging and paths

• Ideal for planting paths, where its slender shoots add lightness to compositions.

Naturalistic and prairie gardens

• It is perfect for gardens inspired by wild plants, meadows and steppes.

Winter decoration

• Dried inflorescences retain their form and decorate the garden in the winter months.

Plant Specifications

• Flower pot: 2 liters
• Age: 2 years old
  
• Frost resistance: Yes