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Teucrium chamaedrys L.
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

wall germander

A variable, dwarf evergreen sub-shrub to 20cm in height and spreading to 90cm, with small dark green leaves, hairy beneath. Fragrant, pale to deep rose-purple flowers in loose, terminal spikes, later in summer

Other common names
ground oak
horse chive
see morewild germander
mercury
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Sand
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Teucrium can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with paired, aromatic leaves and tubular, 1-lipped flowers in whorls

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Europe to Iran

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained prefrably neutral to alkaline soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by soft wood cuttings in early summer or semi ripe cuttings in mid summer. Rooted cuttings will need winter protection in a cool greenhouse or cold frame

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Prune in spring, trim any winter damaged foliage

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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