Teucrium, Germander

Teucrium, Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)
Also known as Wall Germander

Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is a hardy, evergreen subshrub traditionally used in formal knot gardens, herbal borders, and low hedging, with a long history of medicinal use in European folk traditions. Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, it features glossy, aromatic leaves and bright purplish-pink flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. This drought-tolerant and deer-resistant plant thrives in poor, well-drained soils, making it ideal for dry herb gardens, xeriscapes, and companion plantings in orchard understories.

Key Characteristics

• Traditional Medicinal Uses (Leaves)
  Historically, germander leaves were used as a digestive tonic, liver stimulant, and anti-inflammatory, often brewed as a bitter tea or tincture. While no longer widely used due to potential liver toxicity with overuse, it remains part of the traditional European apothecary garden.

• Pollinator-Friendly Summer Blooms
  From June through August, germander produces short spikes of pink to purple two-lipped flowers that are highly attractive to bees and small butterflies. These blooms provide nectar during the midsummer gap between spring and fall flowers.

• Evergreen, Aromatic Foliage with Ornamental Value
  Its small, scalloped leaves are deep green, aromatic when crushed, and evergreen in milder climates. This gives it strong year-round structure, particularly useful in formal garden designs, knot gardens, or herbal parterres.

• Drought-Tolerant and Deer-Resistant
  Germander excels in dry, rocky, or poor soils, especially in hot, sunny spots. It is highly resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, making it a dependable edging plant in rural or exposed gardens.

• Excellent for Edging, Hedges, and Herbal Gardens
  Naturally low-growing and easily sheared, germander is perfect for creating low hedges, lining walkways, or structuring herb gardens. It pairs well with lavender, thyme, and rosemary in Mediterranean and permaculture systems.

Product Details

• Native Range: Southern Europe, Mediterranean region
• Plant Life Cycle: Woody perennial / evergreen subshrub
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
• Mature Height: 10–18 inches
• Bloom Time: June–August
• Bloom Color: Pink to purple
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Germander brings structure, fragrance, and midsummer blooms to herb gardens and dry borders. A classic herbal and ornamental plant with enduring usefulness.