Germander is a shrubby perennial with aromatic, dark green foliage and clusters of mint-like pink or purple flowers in late summer. The plants tend to stay short, only reaching a couple of feet tall. Germander is useful in herb gardens or knot gardens.

Plantfacts

  • Common name: Germander
  • Botanical name: Teucrium chamaedrys
  • Zones: 5 to 9
  • Size: To 2 feet tall
  • From: Areas of Europe and Asia
  • Family: Labitae (mint family)


Growing conditions

  • Sun: Full sun or partial shade.
  • Soil: Moist, but well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
  • Moisture: Drought tolerant.


Care

  • Mulch: Lay a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the plants. Use winter mulch only after the soil has frozen.
  • Pruning: Cut plants back in autumn after freezing temperatures arrive or in spring before plants begin to grow.
  • Fertilizer: Fertilizer is generally not necessary in soils that are rich in organic matter. If desired, use a balanced fertilizer in spring.

Propagation

  • Seed: Sow seeds in a sheltered spot in the garden or in a cold frame in autumn.


Pests

  • Aphids: These small insects often appear in large numbers on new growth. Each day, spray them off with a stream of water; they will not attack a plant after being knocked off. Use an insecticidal soap or neem-oil-based spray if infestations are severe.


Garden Notes

  • If harvesting germander, be certain to have positively identified the plant first. Some poisonous plants closely resemble non-poisonous species.
  • In early spring, shear the plant back to several inches tall to help encourage a dense, low habit. Otherwise germander plants may become a bit lanky and leggy.


Selections

  • Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum': A low-growing ground cover form to about 8 inches tall. Purple flowers. Zones 5 to 9
  • Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Variegata': Grows to about one foot tall with leaves variegated white. Purple flowers. Zones 5 to 9.