Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Germander’

Germander is an old world plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae used all over the world as low hedging or easily formed edging for formal herb gardens. Lovely spiked whorls of small pink flowers rise above dark green shiny serrated and aromatic foliage in this creeping evergreen perennial. As I photographed this lovely specimen the hum of bees was loud in my ears, bringing to mind its great ability to attract pollinators. Hardy to drought and harsh winters, as well as deer and rabbit, these evergreen perennials perform best in full to part sun. These tough plants can endure poor, rocky soils as long as it has good drainage. They will not thrive in wet or poorly-drained soil. They are native to the Mediterranean areas of Northern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and grow in Sunset Climate Zones 2-24. Sheer in winter (not in spring), to encourage dense growth and cut back old bloom.

Here at Clearwater Color, we grow both upright and prostrate Germander. The upright variety will grow to be up to 2 feet tall, while the prostrate variety remains happy at up to 8 inches tall. Both will spread to 18 inches or more. Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum’ is tough and long lived along with its taller sibling, and equally as tolerant to soil and shade variation.

The Name ‘Teucrium’ comes from the Greek king of Teucer, a former King of Troy, who was said to use the herb medicinally. The Chamaedrys comes from the Greek ‘Kamai’ meaning ground, and ‘drus’, meaning oak, and when you see it, you will see how it became known as ground oak.

We are currently growing Teucrium chamaedrys in 4.5 inch and one Gallon containers. Give us a call, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, or check out our website at www.clearwatercolor.com to learn more about Germander and the many other plants we grow here at beautiful Clearwater Color Nursery.