Overview

Sideritis scardica is a plant with a low-growing subshrub habit in the genus Sideritis, part of the Lamiaceae family, with green, aromatic foliage. Sideritis scardica grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include herbaceous border, rock garden and container.

About

Sideritis scardica, commonly known as mountain tea or vouno tsai, is a low-growing subshrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It features green, aromatic foliage and thrives in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to UK zone H5. It is suitable for cultivation in herbaceous borders, rock gardens, or containers, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved through seed or semi-ripe cuttings.

About the genus

Sideritis, also known as ironwort, mountain tea and shepherd's tea, is a genus of flowering plants known for their use as herbal medicine, commonly as a herbal tea. They are abundant in Mediterranean regions, the Balkans, the Iberian Peninsula and Macaronesia, but can also be found in Central Europe and temperate Asia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Sideritis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sideritis

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sideritis

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Sideritis scardica size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Low-growing subshrub

Foliage

Green, aromatic

Suggested uses

Herbaceous border, rock garden, container

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sideritis scardica

Propagation

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Resistant to deer and rabbits

Disease resistance

Resistant to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions