White Lampwick Plant (Phlomis lychnitis)

White Lampwick Plant

Phlomis lychnitis

Fuzzy silver foliage glows softly in sun, a quiet textural accent. Evergreen herbaceous perennial; common name: White Lampwick Plant.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in hot, dry conditions and tolerates coastal exposure
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Watering Water deeply when top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; withstands summer heat up to 35°C; avoid prolonged standing frost
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Silvery-grey, woolly, ovate to lanceolate leaves with serrated margins
  • Flower: Dense whorls of creamy-white, tubular flowers on upright stems
  • Stem: Stiff, upright stems covered in fine silver hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly during active growth; allow soil to dry completely between waterings

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to preserve silvery foliage color

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1 tsp per plant around the base and work lightly into topsoil to boost calcium levels and improve drainage
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage prolonged blooming and tidy growth
  • Cut back faded stems to ground level in late winter to promote fresh spring growth
  • Thin overcrowded clumps every 2–3 years to improve airflow and prevent disease
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No reported toxicity to cats

Humans: No reported toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental groundcover; drought-tolerant garden accent; cut foliage for floral arrangements