Felty germander
Teucrium capitatum · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant felty germander: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Headed Germander
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Type
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall
- Hardiness
- Zones 7-10 (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin
Care
Light exposure
Install your Teucrium capitatum in full sun for optimal growth and generous flowering. This Mediterranean plant loves sunny, well-ventilated locations. It also tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly.
Soil type
Prefer well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, like garrigue. Avoid overly compact or permanently wet soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH is ideal. Improve heavy soil by adding sand or gravel.
Moderate watering
Water regularly during the first year to establish the root system. Once established, the plant is very drought-tolerant and needs little water. Reduce watering in winter, particularly in cold regions.
Discreet fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if the soil is very poor. Generally, germander barely needs it in natural soil. Organic overloading promotes vegetation at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering in late summer to maintain a compact shape. You can cut back dried foliage in spring. Avoid severe pruning which weakens the clump.
Pest resistance
Teucrium capitatum enjoys excellent natural health and rarely suffers from disease or pest attack. Adequate drainage prevents any winter rot problems. No particular treatment is generally necessary.
Did you know?
Headed germander was once reputed in Mediterranean herbal medicine for its digestive and tonic properties, hence its name 'germander' which recalls the therapeutic virtues of Teucrium. Its tight, rose-purple flower heads make it a beautiful asset for dry and Mediterranean gardens.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- SageSalvia officinalis
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.