How to Grow Teucrium Plants
Guide to Growing Germander, and Wood Sage.
Teucrium are hardy perennials and sub-shrubs that range from 10 to 90 cm (4 to 36 inches) in height.
This size range makes them useful in many areas of the garden, including in rock gardens, borders, and drystone walls.
Teucrium plants bloom in the summer. They have small flowers carried on spikes or in clusters. The flower petals may be purple, pink, blue, green, or yellow.
Common names for Teucrium include Germander and Wood germander, and Wood sage.
Commonly Grown Teucrium Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Teucrium fruticans
Teucrium fruticans (Tree Germander / Shrubby Germander), photograph by Peganum; CC.
Teucrium canadense
Teucrium canadense (American Germander / Wood sage / Canada germander), photograph by Homer Edward Price; CC.
Teucrium cossonii
Teucrium cossonii (Fruity Germander), picture by cultivar413; CC.
Teucrium Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Germander, Wood sage.
- Life Cycle: Hardy perennial.
- Height: 5 to 36 inches (12—90 cm).
- Native: Northern America, Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa.
- Growing Region: Zones 3 to 9.
- Flowers bloom in: Summer.
- Flower Details: Pink, blue, yellow, pink, pale green. Clusters. Spikes. Tubular. One-sided. Corolla lacks an upper lip.
- Foliage: Large genus and associated large variation. Evergreen. Herbaceous, shrubs, and sub-shrubs. Aromatic. Opposite. Petiolate. Triangular. Ovate to oblong. Some species are triple lobed and oak-like.
- Sow Outside: Surface. Start of spring - before the last light frost, or towards the end of autumn.
- Sow Inside: Germination time: one month. Temperature: 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks before the expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost. Space at 8 to 16 inches (20—40 cm).
- Requirements and care: Full sunlight or partial shade. Good drainage. Average soil. Light watering during dry periods. Provide a yearly fertilizer. Best grown in a sheltered area. Cut back stems after flowering to promote bushiness and to maintain shape. Propagate: by dividing or taking cuttings in the spring.
- Family: Lamiaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Mint, Deadnettles, Lavender, Thyme, and Sage.
- Miscellaneous: A Bulgarian herbal tea is made from the leaves of Teucrium chamaedrys (wall germander) to treat gastric related symptoms. Attracts moths from the Coleophora family.
How to Grow Teucrium species such as Germander
The seeds of Germander and other Teucrium plant genus members may be sown on the soil surface in late autumn or early spring.
Ideally they like to grow in sunny or partially shaded areas that have a well drained soil.
The soil type that plants grows in is not overly important.
If starting off indoors, then prepare Teucrium plants about seven weeks before you expect the last frost. It should take about 3 to 5 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
They should be transplanted outdoors with a spacing of about 30 cm (12 inches) following the last frost.
Caring for Germander (Teucrium)
It is easy to care for Germander and other members of the Teucrium genus. They should be watered during dry spells and regularly lightly fertilised.
Every spring cut back the plant stems by about fifty percent.
If you require more Teucrium plants, then they can be propagated in the spring from cuttings or by division.
Common Questions
How many members does the Teucrium genus have?
The Teucrium genus, commonly known as Germander, has around 250 species.
Do members of Teucrium make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, many Teucrium species make excellent garden plants due to their attractive foliage and flowers. They're good for hedges, borders, or rock gardens.
Which Teucrium species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
The Teucrium chamaedrys (Wall Germander) and Teucrium fruticans (Tree Germander) are commonly grown.
Are members of the Teucrium plant genus fragrant?
Some Teucrium species are aromatic, with a pleasant fragrance emitted from their leaves when touched or crushed.
What is the perfect location to grow Teucrium?
Teucrium plants prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. They're drought-tolerant, making them suitable for Mediterranean or xeriscape gardens.
Is Teucrium invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, some species like Teucrium canadense can be invasive in certain regions of the USA. Always refer to local regulations for the most accurate information.
How do I remove Teucrium plants from my garden?
To remove Teucrium, dig up the whole plant, ensuring all root material is removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Teucrium genus (Germander) comprises a variety of perennial plants and shrubs native to various regions worldwide. They are recognized for their aromatic foliage and clusters of small, usually purplish or pinkish flowers.
Grow Teucrium from seeds, cuttings, or division, ideally in spring or autumn. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant and require little maintenance, making them an excellent choice for rock gardens or xeriscaping.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Teucrium plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Scutellaria; Clematis and Aconite plants.
Found the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
Genus Index T
