Germander
teucrium chamaedrys
Also known as: ["Wall germander","Garden germander","Bush germander"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen subshrub with small, glossy leaves and spikes of pinkish-purple flowers, historically used in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","medicinal use","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Teucrium |
| Botanical Name: | Teucrium chamaedrys |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, border fronts, or containers in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place indoors near a south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide dappled shade in summer; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)
Use a cactus mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid frost; thrives in moderate warmth with good air circulation.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain moderate warmth year-round.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C)
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand
Hormone
Optional, but recommended for faster rooting
Timeline
Roots in 3–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back stems to just above a leaf node or bud; shape as desired
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilized scissors
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased stems; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to once every 3–4 weeks, ensuring the soil is not waterlogged.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning leaf edges in cold; scorching or yellowing leaves in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback; susceptible to root rot in cold, wet soil.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; ensure soil is not waterlogged.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow; soil may dry out too quickly.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume significant amounts of Teucrium chamaedrys. The plant's tannins and other compounds can cause discomfort, though it is not considered highly toxic to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Teucrium chamaedrys in large amounts may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of tannins and other bioactive compounds. While not highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent pets from consuming large quantities of the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicTeucrium chamaedrys, commonly known as germander, contains tannins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when consumed in significant amounts. The plant has been historically used in traditional medicine, but excessive ingestion may lead to adverse effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Germander safe for pets?
A: Yes, Teucrium chamaedrys is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Germander?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry between waterings; it is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Can Germander be used in cooking?
A: Yes, its leaves have a minty flavor and can be used sparingly in culinary dishes.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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