About

A small, lax evergreen shrub with white-felted shoots and small, ovate, glossy dark green leaves, white beneath. Terminal racemes of two-lipped, clear blue flowers 2.5cm long open in summer.

About the genus

Teucrium can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with paired, aromatic leaves and tubular, 1-lipped flowers in whorls

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFoliage
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling LJD

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a sheltered border with full sun or against a warm, sunny wall in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil
PruningPruning group 7
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer, both with bottom heat
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free