Cat Thyme
Teucrium marum · Lamiaceae
📷 Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
⚠️ Chiens/chats : feuilles toxiques par ingestion, irritation digestive. Humains : feuilles irritantes par ingestion et contact.
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cat thyme: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous
- Adult height
- 30 cm
- Flowering
- July to August
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Water requirement
- Low
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Hardiness
- Hardy
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Teucrium marum needs extremely well-draining, almost dry soil. It's a stocky little thyme—barely water it at all.
The common mistake
People assume it needs regular watering like a typical small shrub: that's a death sentence for this one.
The pro's trick
Pinch back young plants regularly (May-June) to get a nice compact shape and superior flower density.
Care
Exposure
Cat germander thrives in full sun, where it expresses its vigor and flowering at their best. It also tolerates partial shade, but will develop less densely. Install it in a clear, well-ventilated spot to prevent excessive moisture problems.
Watering
This is a plant with very moderate water needs, typical of Mediterranean plants. Water lightly when planting, then let the soil dry between waterings once established. During prolonged dry periods, occasional watering is sufficient; avoid excess water which would promote rot.
Soil
Cat germander prefers well-drained, light and rather poor soil. A mix with gravel, sand or small stones promotes drainage and reproduces its natural conditions. It adapts to chalky soils and tolerates arid terrain well.
Pruning and maintenance
Light pruning in spring maintains a compact, bushy shape. Cut back the stems by half after winter or after flowering to stimulate development. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to encourage better blooming and extend the flowering period.
Fertilizer
Cat germander requires very little nutrient input. In poor soil, a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can support growth, but this is generally not necessary. Avoid excessive applications which would favor foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
This robust plant rarely suffers from serious problems. Insufficient drainage can lead to root rot; if moisture stagnates, improve ventilation. Pests are unlikely to attack it under appropriate growing conditions.
Did you know?
The nickname "cat germander" comes from its strong attraction to cats, which love to rub and roll on its aromatic leaves, much like with the famous catnip (cataria). Its leaves contain volatile compounds that are irresistible to domestic felines. In traditional herbal medicine, it has long been valued for various uses, notably among the Romans.
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.