Teucrium chamaedrys L. (wall germander) — Bushy

Overview

Teucrium chamaedrys L. is a bushy shrubs in the genus Teucrium, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Teucrium chamaedrys L. grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3-H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal, city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, rock garden and wall side borders. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Portugal Continental.

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 L. belongs to the Lamiaceae and the genus Teucrium and is native to parts of western Europe, including Belgium, the Flemish and Walloon regions, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and continental Portugal. Plants form compact, well-branched shrubs and hold evergreen foliage, reaching 0.1–0.5 metres in height and spread over a two- to five-year establishment period. Place wall germander in full sun on chalk, sand or loam where the soil is neutral to alkaline and drains freely; it tolerates both moist but well-drained conditions and drier, well-drained sites. A south-, west- or east-facing, sheltered position suits it best. It is rated H3–H6 in UK hardiness (borderline to very hardy) and USDA zones 5–9, so it will survive across a wide range of UK gardens from marginal to very hardy locations. Its size and habit suit a range of uses: cottage and informal plantings, gravel and rock gardens, wall-side borders, and patios or containers in Mediterranean-style layouts and coastal or urban courtyards. Because it reaches usable height quickly, it can be used to fill low edging or rockery positions; its flowering season from June to September is a practical asset for summer-long interest.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Teucrium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Sand, Loam
Soil pH: Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H3-H6

Plant details

Teucrium chamaedrys L. size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Height: 0.1-0.5 metres
Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wall side borders
Native to: Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Portugal Continental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Teucrium chamaedrys L.

Propagation: Seed, Softwood cuttings in early summer, Semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Teucrium chamaedrys L.?

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

What soil does Teucrium chamaedrys L. need?

Teucrium chamaedrys L. is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, sand and loam. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

How big does Teucrium chamaedrys L. grow?

Teucrium chamaedrys L. reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Teucrium chamaedrys L. hardy in the UK?

Teucrium chamaedrys L. has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.