Care of the plant Teucrium chamaedrys or Wall germander |
The genus Teucrium, family Lamiaceae, comprises 300 species of perennials and shrubs from the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. Some species are: Teucrium chamaedrys, Teucrium flavum, Teucrium fruticans, Teucrium heterophyllum, Teucrium pyrenaicum, Teucrium aroanium, Teucrium polium, Teucrium scorodonia. Common name: Wall germander. This species is native to the Mediterranean region, Middle East and Iran. They are small subshrubs that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. They have small aromatic leaves (if touched) of dark green color, alternate arrangement and serrated edge. The showy and abundant flowers appear in axillary groups and can be pink or purple. They bloom in summer and attract bees (they are honey plants). Wall germander is used as cover plants on slopes, on rockeries and in dry areas of the garden, as well as in planters and pots for balconies, terraces and patios. It combines very well with other aromatic plants such as Santolina, Rosmarinus and Lavandula. It has digestive, laxative, anti-gout and anti-bronchitis medicinal properties, among others. Teucrium chamaedrys needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. It resists frost. Wall germander does not resist calcareous or clayey soils, prefers very well drained siliceous soils. Water regularly, waiting for the soil surface to dry. Fertilize with manure before planting and with mineral fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. The harvesting of the leaves is done from late spring to late summer. Teucrium chamaedrys is a quite resistant plant to pests and diseases. Wall germander is propagated from seeds sown in spring, by division of clumps in spring or autumn and by cuttings in autumn. |
Images of the plant Teucrium chamaedrys or Wall germander |