Balearic Island sage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Balearic Island sage |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phlomis
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| Species: |
italica
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Phlomis italica, also known as the Balearic Island sage, is a beautiful flowering plant. It belongs to the mint and sage family, called Lamiaceae. This plant naturally grows on the Balearic Islands in Spain. People also grow it in gardens as an ornamental plant, especially in places with a mild climate.
This plant is an evergreen shrub, meaning it stays green all year round. It has large, oval-shaped leaves that are a soft, woolly grey-green color. In the summer, you can see circles of pale pink flowers appearing along its upright stems. The plant usually grows to be about 50 to 100 centimeters (20 to 39 inches) tall and wide. Even though it's quite tough, it likes to be in a spot that is protected from strong winds and gets lots of sunshine.
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Discovering Balearic Island Sage
The Balearic Island sage is a special plant that adds beauty to many gardens. It's known for its unique woolly leaves and pretty pink flowers. Learning about where it comes from and how it grows helps us understand its importance.
What Does It Look Like?
This plant is a type of shrub, which means it's a woody plant smaller than a tree. Its leaves are a standout feature. They are large and shaped like an oval, covered in soft, grey-green fuzz. This fuzzy texture helps the plant survive in its natural habitat.
During the summer months, the Phlomis italica produces lovely flowers. These flowers are a soft pale pink color. They grow in rings or "circles" around the plant's upright stems, making it look very decorative.
Where Does It Grow?
The Balearic Island sage is native to the Balearic Islands. These islands are located off the eastern coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. The plant has adapted to the climate and soil conditions found there.
Because it's so attractive, people grow Phlomis italica in many other places too. It's popular as an ornamental plant in gardens. It thrives in temperate climates, which means areas that don't get too hot or too cold.
How to Care for It
Even though Phlomis italica is considered a hardy plant, meaning it can withstand some tough conditions, it does have preferences. It likes to be planted in a spot where it gets full sun all day long. This helps it grow strong and produce many flowers.
It also prefers a "sheltered position." This means a place that is protected from strong winds or very cold drafts. Giving it the right amount of sun and protection helps this beautiful sage plant flourish in your garden.
