Teucrium chamaedrys (wall germander) — perennial shrub

Overview

Teucrium chamaedrys is a perennial shrub in the genus Teucrium, part of the Lamiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Teucrium chamaedrys grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental and groundcover. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.

About

Teucrium chamaedrys is a low perennial shrub used as an ornamental ground cover that flowers in summer. It typically grows to about 0.3 m and suits sunny sites. Plant in full sun on well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clay. Flowering occurs from June to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Teucrium chamaedrys

About the genus

Teucrium is a cosmopolitan genus of flowering plants in the mint family Lamiaceae, commonly known as germanders. Plants in this genus are perennial herbs or shrubs, with branches that are more or less square in cross-section, leaves arranged in opposite pairs, and flowers arranged in thyrses, the corolla with mostly white to cream-coloured, lobed petals.

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

In the garden

Teucrium chamaedrys is a compact perennial shrub native to parts of Belgium (Flemish and Walloon regions), the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and continental Portugal. Gardeners grow it primarily as an ornamental ground cover for sunny positions where a low, flowering plant is required. Give plants a sunny, exposed site: this species prefers full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy or clay substrates provided they drain freely or remain only seasonally moist. It is rated H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is fully hardy and suitable for outdoor planting across the UK; the USDA zone indication (5–9) aligns with its tolerance of a range of temperate conditions. Expect mature plants to reach about 0.3 m and to produce flowers through the summer months. Cultivated as a ground cover, Teucrium chamaedrys works where a low, sun-loving perennial is needed and where soil does not remain waterlogged. Its compact stature and summer display make it a practical option for sunny borders and low-planting schemes. Plants typically reach around 0.3 m and carry their blooms from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Teucrium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Teucrium chamaedrys size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial shrub
Height: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: ornamental, groundcover
Native to: Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Teucrium chamaedrys

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation: Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by seed.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Teucrium chamaedrys?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Teucrium chamaedrys?

Teucrium chamaedrys prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Teucrium chamaedrys need?

Teucrium chamaedrys is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.