Teucrium

teucrium

( TOO - cree - um )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as Germander, this genus of shrubby perennials needs full sun and moderate water to perform well in the landscape. Most species are natives of the Mediterranean, though thirteen are endemic to Australia. They have naturalized themselves in many areas if the world, and have aromatic foliage and small flowers. Stems have squared cross-sections, and flowers range in color from white to pink to purple to blue. Use Germander in Mediterranean or Cottage garden design; they are great for lining walkways and providing pops of color in mixed beds.

Teucrium Species and Varietals

The genus Teucrium has around 300 distinct species and many varietals, and is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae. The genus was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 publication Species Plantarum. The name Teucrium is thought to be a reference to King Teucer of Troy, who used the plant in his medicinal practice. The ideal growing zones for Germander vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Teucrium albicaule (Scurfy Germander)
This species is native to inland areas of Australia, and spreads by root suckers to form dense stands. Leaves are trifoliate and grey-green, covered with dense greyish white hairs. These perennial plants reach up to 8 inches tall, and produce white flowers in leaf axils between the months of September and June in the plant's native range.

Teucrium argutum (Native Germander)
These plants are endemic to eastern areas of Australia, and are perennials with egg-shaped leaves that have toothed or wavy edges. Flowers are pink-purple and bloom from December through June in the plant's native range. Foliage is hairy.

Teucrium botrys (Cutleaf Germander, Cut Leaved Germander)
These low to short downy annual plants (sometimes grown as biennials) has oval, deeply cut leaves. Flowers are pink to purple and appear all along upright stems in whirls. Bloom time is between June and October. This species is native to France and Germany, and is an introduced species in north-eastern North America.

Teucrium canadense (American Germander, Wood Sage, Canada Germander)
These plants are native to North America, and form robust perennials with upright squarish stems. Leaves are green, and individual plants can reach up to 3 feet tall. Unscented flowers are white to pale lilac, and bloom in spikes towards the top of stems.

Teucrium chamaedrys (Wall Germander)
This species has many different subspecies, and is native to Mediterranean regions of Europe and North Africa, as well as the Middle East as far as Iran. These plants are common ornamentals, and take the form of creeping perennials that reach up to 18 inches tall when mature. Flowers are tubular and pink (blooming in summer), and leaves are dark green. Variety 'Prostratum' reaches just 4-6 inches high and spreads to 3 feet (or more) wide.

Teucrium corymbosum (Forest Germander)
These plants are native to Australia and New Guinea, and are perennial herbaceous plants with green leaves and bright white flowers. They typically reach up to 5 feet tall, and have foliage covered in greyish hairs. These plants prefer forested areas, dry creek beds, and partially cleared shady areas. Great for shady rock gardens.

Teucrium cossonii majoricum (Teucrium majoricum) (Fruity Germander)
This species of Germander grows well in zones 7-9 and 14-24 and forms a silver-grey mound 8 inches tall and 1.5 feet wide. Flowers are rose-purple and bloom continuously through the year. Flowers smell a bit like honey. Great as a rock garden plant or small-scale groundcover.

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander, Tree Germander, Shrubby Germander)
This species is great in zones 4-24 and has a loose habit to 4-8 feet tall and just as wide. Leaves are grey-green with silver undersides, and blooms are lavender-blue and can be seen year round. Thin and cut back this plant before new growth begins in the springtime. Varieties include 'Azureum' (with deeper blue flowers than the species), and 'Compactum' (with dark blue flowers, reaching 3 feet tall and wide). Hardy to 23 degrees Fahrenheit.

Teucrium integrifolium (Teucry Weed, Green Germander)
These plants are native to woodland areas in Australia. The species forms a perennial herbaceous plant to 2 feet tall, and produces green foliage and stems. Flowers are white to cream-colored, and bloom in leaf axils.

Teucrium marum (Cat Thyme, Kitty Crack)
This species grows well in zones 3-9 and 14-24, and reaches 1.5 feet tall and wide. Upright habit with grey-green leaves. Blooms pop profusely in summertime, and are deep pink to purple. This species attracts cats.

Teucrium pyrenaicum (Pyrenean Germander)
This species of Germander is native to the Pyrenees, and is a popular ornamental for home gardens. These low-growing plants have woody bases, and form herbaceous perennials or shrublets to can reach up to 10 inches tall. Plants spread by trailing stems that root as they grow. Lavender to cream-colored flowers appear in terminal clusters in late spring through early summertime, and foliage is light green. Great as a small-scale groundcover, in rock or herb gardens, or to front borders and mixed beds.

Caring for and pruning teucrium shrubs

Plant Germander in full sun to partial shade; they need at least 6 hours of sun each day for the best growth and flowering. These small shrubs thrive in well-draining soil that is moderately fertile, with a pH of between 6.1 and 7.8. Add organic matter to soil at time of planting to improve structure and fertility. These plants are considered to be drought-tolerant at maturity, though they do require supplemental waterings during especially hot, dry periods of the year. Water these plants deeply and infrequently to encourage a deeper root system. As they are getting established, provide plants with regular waterings. These shrubs do not need feedings often, but if they seem to be struggling they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in springtime. Apply a layer of mulch after planting around the base, taking care to not get too close to the main stems. This will assist in soil moisture retention and suppress weed growth.

Many species are hardy, though some may benefit from protection from the coldest winter temperatures, especially if they are prolonged. Pruning requirements vary depending on the species grown; in general, prune during the growing season to remove errant growth and spent flower spikes. Prune in spring or early summer to shape and control for size. Some species benefit greatly from being cut to the ground each year.

Propagation

Germander can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Teucrium by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Teucrium by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds. The seed pods are left behind on spikes after flowers have faded. Cut the entire stem off of the plant and place it in a paper bag. Shake to release seeds. Sow immediately or store in a cool, dark, dry place.
These seeds are a bit difficult to get to germinate; in many instances, seeds may not come up the same year they are sown; in their natural environment, most seeds germinate the following spring.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination takes varying amounts of time from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.