Tree Germander
Teucrium fruticans · Lamiaceae
📷 Didier Descouens · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around tree germander and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, silvery gray-green
- Flowering
- May to August, pale blue or white flowers
- Mature size
- 150 cm tall, bushy habit
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Zones 8 to 11, frost-tender in cold climates
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin
- Soil type
- Well-draining, light, poor to average
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Teucrium fruticans grows very dry once established: almost very little watering in the Mediterranean region. Light pruning after flowering aerates and rejuvenates it without disturbing it.
The common mistake
Watering it regularly or adding compost to it: it becomes etiolated, loses its compact character and becomes vulnerable to cold.
The pro's trick
Herbaceous cuttings in summer under a frame: they take in three weeks.
Care
Watering
Very drought-resistant once established. Water moderately when planting, then space out waterings in dry climates. Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter, which causes root rot. In containers, let the substrate dry between waterings.
Light exposure
Plant in full sun, minimum 6 to 8 hours daily. This guarantees generous flowering and densely silvered foliage. Tree germander also tolerates very bright, airy locations. Avoid shade, which weakens the plant and reduces flowering.
Soil and planting
Prepare very well-draining soil, poor to average, with added sand or gravel if the ground is heavy. This plant hates standing moisture. In containers, use a light mix (potting soil, sand, gravel). Lightly amend the planting soil.
Pruning and structure
Prune lightly after flowering or in spring to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or frost-damaged wood. Avoid drastic cuts that weaken the plant. Regular, gentle pruning encourages branching.
Fertilizing
Low-nutrient plant, well-suited to poor soils. A balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess, which stimulates weak growth and reduced flowering. In naturally rich soil, fertilizing is unnecessary.
Health and pests
Very hardy, rarely affected by disease. Problems mainly occur with excess moisture (root rot). Watch for aphids in hot, dry conditions. Ensure good air circulation and excellent drainage to prevent most issues.
Did you know?
Tree germander is one of the rare Mediterranean labiates with persistent gray foliage, used since antiquity as edging in Roman gardens. Its name 'Teucrium' is said to honor Teucer, a figure from Greek mythology, attesting to the botanical prestige of this plant in ancient culture.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.