Teucrium, commonly known as Germander. This genus offers a variety of useful and attractive plants, often valued for their resilience and adaptability.

What Makes Teucrium So Special?

• Drought Tolerance: Teucrium species are exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making them excellent choices for water-wise gardens and challenging, dry sites.
• Adaptability: They thrive in a wide range of conditions, including poor soils, full sun, and even some shade (depending on the species). This makes them very versatile in the landscape.
• Low Maintenance: They are generally low-maintenance plants, requiring minimal care once established.
• Evergreen Foliage (most species): Many Teucrium species are evergreen or semi-evergreen, providing year-round interest in the garden.
• Pollinator Attraction: The flowers, though often small, are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
• Aromatic Foliage: Some species have aromatic foliage, adding a sensory element to the garden.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, a major plus in many areas.

Description

• Flowers: The flowers are typically small, tubular or two-lipped, and arranged in whorls or spikes. Colors range from white and pink to lavender, purple, and occasionally yellow or red. While the individual flowers are small, they are often produced in abundance, creating a noticeable display.
• Foliage: Varies by species. Some have small, gray-green, often hairy leaves (e.g., Teucrium chamaedrys), while others have larger, greener leaves (e.g., Teucrium fruticans). The foliage is often evergreen or semi-evergreen.
• Growth Habit: Varies by species. Some are low-growing, spreading groundcovers (e.g., Teucrium cossonii), while others are upright shrubs (e.g., Teucrium fruticans). Some form dense mounds, while others have a more open habit.
• Scent: Some species, like Teucrium marum (Cat Thyme, though not a true thyme), have strongly aromatic foliage.

Details

• Bloom Time: Varies by species, but generally spring to summer, with some blooming into fall.
• Hardiness: Varies by species, but many are hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Some are more cold-hardy, while others are better suited to warmer climates.
• Sunlight: Most prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), but some tolerate partial shade (particularly Teucrium chamaedrys).
• Soil: Prefer well-drained soil. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including poor, sandy, rocky, or alkaline soils. They generally do not tolerate poorly drained, wet soils.
• Drought Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant once established.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Generally considered deer and rabbit resistant.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are very attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Native Habitat

Teucrium species are found throughout the world, with a high concentration in the Mediterranean region. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including dry, rocky slopes, open woodlands, and coastal areas.

Landscaping Design Tips

• Rock Gardens: Low-growing species are excellent choices for rock gardens.
• Xeriscaping: A key plant for xeriscaping (water-wise gardening).
• Mediterranean Gardens: A natural fit for Mediterranean-style gardens.
• Edging: Low-growing species make excellent edging plants for pathways or borders.
• Groundcover: Spreading species can be used as groundcovers in sunny, dry areas.
• Hedges: Teucrium chamaedrys is often used for low hedges or knot gardens. Teucrium fruticans can be used for taller hedges.
• Containers: Many species are suitable for containers.
• Companion Plants:
• Lavender (Lavandula)
• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
• Santolina
• Cistus (Rockrose)
• Sedum (Stonecrop)
• Ornamental Grasses
• Other drought-tolerant plants.

Planting and Care

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall. Space plants according to their mature size.
• Watering: Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, Teucrium is very drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering. Avoid overwatering.
• Fertilizing: Generally, does not require fertilization. Excessive fertilization can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
• Pruning: Pruning requirements vary by species.
• Teucrium chamaedrys (Germander): Shear back after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage dense growth. Can be pruned more severely in early spring if needed.
• Teucrium fruticans (Shrubby Germander): Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged wood. Can be pruned more heavily to control size.
• Other species: Generally, require minimal pruning, but can be trimmed to maintain shape or remove dead wood.
• Division: Low-growing, spreading species can be divided in spring or fall.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease-resistant. Root rot can be a problem in poorly drained soils.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
• Genus: Teucrium

Morphology

• Roots: Fibrous root system.
• Stems: Square stems (characteristic of the mint family), often woody at the base.
• Leaves: Opposite, simple, often toothed, or lobed, and may be hairy or aromatic.
• Flowers: Inflorescences are whorls or spikes. Flowers are small, tubular or two-lipped, with prominent stamens.
• Fruit: A dry schizocarp that splits into four nutlets.

Popular Varieties

• Teucrium chamaedrys (Germander): A low-growing, spreading species with small, dark green, glossy leaves and pink to lavender flowers. Often used for edging and low hedges.
• Teucrium fruticans (Shrubby Germander, Tree Germander): A larger, shrubby species with silvery-gray foliage and lavender-blue flowers. 'Azureum' has deeper blue flowers.
• Teucrium x lucidrys: A hybrid between T. chamaedrys and T. lucidum, with characteristics of both parents.
• Teucrium cossonii (Fruity Germander): A very low-growing, spreading species with small, gray-green leaves and pink flowers.
• Teucrium marum (Cat Thyme): A small, shrubby species with strongly aromatic foliage that is attractive to cats (but not a true thyme). Note: Can be toxic to cats if ingested in large quantities.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Medicinal Uses: Some Teucrium species have a history of medicinal use, but internal use should only be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
• Avoid Wet Feet: The most important thing to remember about growing Teucrium is to provide well-drained soil. They will not tolerate wet feet.

In conclusion, Teucrium (Germander) is a versatile and valuable genus of plants that offers drought tolerance, low maintenance, attractive foliage, and pollinator appeal. From low-growing groundcovers to upright shrubs, there is a Teucrium to suit a variety of garden settings, particularly those with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. Their resilience and adaptability make them a great choice for challenging sites and water-wise landscapes.