Teucrium fruticans
tree germander
Overview
Teucrium fruticans is an evergreen shrub reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall and 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) wide, with an open, spreading habit and white-woolly young stems. The oval leaves measure 0.6–1.2 inches (1.5–3 cm) long, grey-green above and white-felted beneath, and give off an aromatic scent when bruised. From spring into summer it carries pale lavender-blue two-lipped flowers about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, each with a prominent lower lip and protruding stamens, held singly in the leaf axils toward the shoot tips. Light flowering can continue intermittently into autumn in mild climates. The shrub grows on dry, rocky Mediterranean slopes and tolerates heat, drought, wind, and coastal salt once established, though it is damaged by hard frost below about 18°F (−8°C) and by wet, poorly drained soil in winter. Hardiness places it in USDA zones 8–10. The silvery foliage holds through the year where winters are mild. Growth is fast and the stems can become open and leggy with age unless trimmed. In cold inland gardens it is grown against a warm wall or in containers moved under cover.
Native Range
Teucrium fruticans is native to the western and central Mediterranean, including Spain, Italy, North Africa, and nearby islands, where it grows in garrigue, rocky scrub, and open woodland on dry, often calcareous soils.Suggested Uses
Teucrium fruticans is used as a low evergreen hedge, in Mediterranean and gravel gardens, on dry sunny banks, and in coastal plantings. It combines with lavender, cistus, and other drought-adapted shrubs. In containers it suits hot, sunny terraces with sharp drainage.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Colors
Bloom Information
Main flowering runs from mid spring into summer, roughly April to July in the Northern Hemisphere. In mild, frost-free areas scattered flowers continue into autumn. Each flower lasts several days, with bloom concentrated toward the shoot tips. Seed is set in small nutlets typical of the mint family.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Grey-green above, white beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Teucrium fruticans in full sun and well-drained soil, including poor, sandy, rocky, and chalky ground. Water during establishment only; mature plants withstand drought and decline in soil that stays wet over winter. The shrub tolerates coastal salt and wind and takes regular clipping, which keeps it dense. Feeding is rarely needed and rich soil produces soft, open growth. Hardiness reaches about 18°F (−8°C); in colder areas it is grown against a sheltered wall or in pots brought under cover. Root rot follows waterlogging, and untrimmed plants grow open at the base.Pruning
Trim Teucrium fruticans in spring and again after the main flush to keep a compact, dense shape; it responds well to clipping and suits low hedging and topiary. Cutting back into older wood usually produces fresh growth. Hard renovation is done in spring as the plant resumes growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons