Germander (Teucrium pyrenaicum)

Germander

Features and Characteristics

Teucrium pyrenaicum, commonly called germander, is native to the Pyrenees Mountains where it primarily occurs in limestone soils. It is a low-growing, woody-based, herbaceous perennial or shrublet which typically grows to 3-10″ tall but spreads by trailing stems which root as they go to form a foliage mat 4-8″ wide. Whorls of 2-lipped, lavender and cream flowers (typical mint family) appear in terminal clusters on upright flowering stems (to 10″ tall) in late spring to early summer. Tiny, toothed, rounded, light green leaves (to 3/4″ wide and long).

Genus name comes from the Greek name, possibly named for Teucer, first king of Troy.

Specific epithet means of the Pyrenees.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in average to somewhat gritty, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good. Needs a sheltered location in the St. Louis area where it is not reliably winter hardy.

Germander (Teucrium pyrenaicum) Requirements

Hardiness zone	6 - 9
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Winter injury can be a significant problem in the St. Louis area.

Uses

Best in rock gardens, herb gardens or border fronts as a small scale ground cover or edging plant.

Germander (Teucrium pyrenaicum) Details

Common name	Germander
Botanical name	Teucrium pyrenaicum
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Lamiaceae
Hardiness zone	6 - 9
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Lavender and cream
Flowering period	May - June
Height	0.25 to 1 ft.
Width	0.50 to 0.75 feet