Wall germander herb and Germander flowers

This attractive plant is a native of Europe, and is now naturalized in Britain and other countries in the temperate zone. It is found on dry chalky soils. The Latin Teucrium is said to have been named after Teucer, first king of Troy. It is the ancient Greek word for ground oak, its leaves resembling those of the oak tree. In medieval times, it was a popular strewing herb and a remedy for dropsy, jaundice and gout. It was also used in powder form for treating head colds, and as a snuff.

Species

Teucrium fruticans

Tree germander

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht l-2m (3-6ft), spread 2-4m (6-12ft). Blue flowers in summer. The leaves are aromatic, gray/green with a white underside.

Teucrium chamaedrys 'Variegatum'

Variegated wall germander

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 45cm (18in) spread 20cm (8in). Pink flowers from mid-summer to early autumn. The leaves are aromatic, dark green with cream/yellow variegation, small, shiny and oval.

Teucrium x lucidrys (chamaedrys)

Wall Germander

Evergreen hardy perennial. Ht 45cm (18in) spread 20cm (8in). Pink flowers from mid-summer to early autumn. The leaves are dark green, small, shiny and oval. When rubbed, they smell pleasantly spicy.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Sow the small seeds in spring. Use a prepared seed or plug tray and the bark, peat, grit compost, Cover with Perlite. Germination can be erratic -from 2-4 weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, plant in a prepared site 20cm (8in) apart.

Cuttings

This is a better method of propagating Germander. Take softwood cuttings from the new growth in spring or semi-hardwood in summer. Ensure compost does not dry fully out and also never gets sodden.

Division

The teucriums produce creeping root stock in the spring and are easy to divide. Dig up the plants, split them in half, and replant in a chosen site.

Pests and Diseases

Wall germander hardly ever suffers from pests or disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds. Take softwood cuttings. Trim established plants and hedges.

Summer: Trim plants after flowering, take semi-hardwood cuttings.

Autumn: Trim hedges.

Winter: Protect the variegated form when temperatures drop below-5°C (23°F).

Garden cultivation

Wall germander needs a well-drained soil (slightly alkaline) and a sunny position. It is hardier than lavender and cotton lavender, and makes an ideal hedging or edging plant. To make a good dense hedge, plant at a distance of 15cm (6in). If you clip the hedge in spring and autumn to maintain its shape, you will never need to cut it hard back. It can also be planted in rockeries and in stone walls where it looks most attractive. During the growing season it does not need extra water, even in hot summers, nor does it need extra protection in cold winters. The variegated variety is more temperamental, and will require cosseting in the winter in the form of a mulch or agricultural fleece.

Harvest

For drying for medicinal use, pick leaves before the plant flowers, and flowering stems when the flowers are in bud.

Container growing

Both wall germander and the variegated form look good in containers. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Only feed during the flowering season. Keep on the dry side in winter.

Culinary

This plant is used extensively in the flavoring of liqueurs.

Medicinal

Its herbal use today is minor. However, there is a revival of interest going on, and some use it as a remedy for digestive and liver troubles, anaemia and bronchitis.