Teucrium

Teucrium do well in sun to part shade depending on species, and are a dry tolerant plant. Members of the mint family all have fragrant foliage. Teucrium fruticans is the most widely grown species in Australia, however other varieties are worth considering.

A group of drought tolerant small shrubs, they do make an excellent plant for low maintenance gardens.

Varieties

• • Teucrium hircanicum
    With purple to magenta flowers, on tall spikes Teucrium hircanicum is also known as the ‘Wood Sage’. Pictured right, Teucrium hircanicum makes an excellent in the garden border or used as an edging plant. Best in afternoon part shade in warmer climates.

  • Teucrium chamaedrys commonly called Wall germander.

• • Teucrium scorodonia ‘Crispum Marginatum’
    This is a very different low growing form with ruffled leaves. New foliage is a ‘minty green’, and cream flowers in summer, reaching around 30cm it makes a great ground cover in shaded positions.
  • Teucrium marum
    Silvery aromatic foliage with pink flowers from spring through to summer also known as Cat Thyme..

  • Teucrium fruticans
    Also known as the ‘ Silver Germander’ this is an evergreen with attractive grey stems and mid green foliage. Teucrium fruticans has small pale lilac blue flowers from late spring to summer. Useful as small hedge where it is easily pruned to shape. The toughest and most sun tolerant of the species Teucrium fruticans will happily grow to around 1.2m tall.

Care

Growing well in sandy soils and coping with coastal conditions once established, pruning is best carried out immediately after flowering.  
Plant at around 50cm to 1m apart for hedging.
Ensure that drainage is good to prevent problems.

Teucrium plants are available for sale from the following participating nurseries

PERENNIALLE PLANTS - phone: 0427077798 
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au

LAMBLEY NURSERY & GARDENS
395 Lesters Rd Ascot VIC 3364 - phone (03) 53434303
Specialising in beautiful perennials & bulbs including new releases from Europe & USA. Many hardy, rare & difficult to find ‘drought hardy’ plants, quality vegetable & flower seeds.
www.lambley.com.au

TESSELAAR BULBS - Phone: 1300 428 527
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au