Phlomis tuberosa - (Lamiaceae)

This was a suprising find in a sloping meadow in the Vitosha Mountains National Park in Bulgaria; this one specimen was the only plant of its kind to be seen. It is tall, growing to around 1.5m, with whorls of rather lacey-looking pink flowers.

Phlomis tuberosa

Phlomis tuberosa - a fine example up to around 1.5m in height

Phlomis tuberosa close-up

A close-up of the beautiful flowers of Phlomis tuberosa

Phlomis tuberosa occurs in Greece and the Balkans and blooms from the end of May until July. This specimen was photographed in Bulgaria in mid-June.