teucrium

( TOO - cree - um )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as Germander, this genus of shrubby perennials needs full sun and moderate water. Most species are natives to the Mediterranean, though thirteen are endemic to Australia. They have naturalized themselves in many areas if the globe, and have aromatic foliage and small flowers. Stems have square-ish cross-sections, and flowers range in color from white to pink to 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 cossonii majoricum (Teucrium majoricum)
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)
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).

​Teucrium x lucidrys (Teucrium chamaedrys)
This hybrid species grows in zones 2-24 and reaches a foot high and 2 feet wide, with an upright habit and woody base. Leaves are dark green and toothed, and flowers are reddish-purple or white, blooming in loose spikes in summer. The flowers will attract bees to your garden. Great as an edging, low hedge, or small-scale groundcover. Variety 'Prostratum' reaches just 4-6 inches high and spreads to 3 feet (or more) wide.

​​Teucrium marum (Cat Thyme)
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.

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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
  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Germander seed pods.
Teucrium seeds.

Problems and Pests

Germander is relatively resistant to most pests and diseases, though they can have issues with:
  • Spider Mites
  • Aphids
For more information on these pests, see the links below:
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Gallery

Use these subshrubs in Mediterranean-style gardens.
Germander does well in rocky or sandy soils, where soil is very well-draining.
These plants have naturalized themselves in many places around the world.
Here, Germander is used to fill in an entire sloped parking strip.
The grey-green foliage of Bush Germander really stands out amongst green-foliaged plants.
Germander is commonly seen in cottage-style and rock gardens.

Videos

Learn about these gorgeous plants.
How to prune these shrubs after they are done flowering.

Resources

Teucrium Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Teucrium fruticans (Tree Germander)
How to Grow and Care for Wall Germander
Teucrium Care Guide - Burncose Nurseries
Wikipedia: List of Teucrium Species
Wikipedia: Teucrium
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 626 - 627, Teucrium (Germander)
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