Teucrium chamaedrys (Germander)

Germander is an old world plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the rocky hillsides of several Mediterranean regions, and is equally at home in our Mediterranean climate along the Central Coast of California. This tough plant can handle drought conditions and harsh winters, and is both deer and rabbit resistant. It performs 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.

It is commonly used as a low hedging for culinary herb gardens. Lovely spiked whorls of small rosy-pink flowers rise above the aromatic foliage, drawing beneficial pollinators to the garden. The dark green, shiny leaves have a deeply serrated margins. Germander grows 18-24” tall by 24-36” wide. The Sunset Climate Zones 2-24.

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 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.