Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum’)

Wall germander

Features and Characteristics

Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly called wall germander, is a shrubby, woody-based, clump-forming, broad leaf evergreen which is grown ornamentally for its attractive, aromatic, evergreen foliage. Features 3/4″, oval, scalloped, shiny dark green leaves on numerous ascending and spreading stems which collectively form a mound of foliage 12-15″ tall. Leaves resemble miniature oak leaves (chamaedrys means “ground oak” in reference to the leaf shape and ground cover habit). Whorls of two lipped, tubular, pink to purple (less frequently white) flowers (typical mint family) appear in terminal clusters in late spring to early summer. Leaves were formerly used in a variety of medicinal treatments.

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

Specific epithet comes from the Greek chamai meaning of the ground or dwarf and drys meaning oak.

‘Prostratum’, commonly called wall germander or creeping germander, is a prostrate, dense, evergreen perennial that has leathery, dark green, glossy leaves that are aromatic and resemble small oak leaves. Its rosy lavender to pinkish purple, two-lipped, tubular flowers are borne in terminal clusters on short spikes in late spring to early summer. ‘Prostratum’ grows 1/2 to 3/4 ft. tall and 1 1/2 to 3 ft. wide.

Care and Maintenance

Best grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good. Pinch (or shear if leggy or scraggly) stems after flowering to promote bushy, compact growth. Appreciates a sheltered location and winter protection in USDA Zone 5 (including the St. Louis area) where it is evergreen but not reliably winter hardy and may suffer die back in harsh winters.

Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to mildew, leaf spot, rust and mites. Cold temperature injury, die-back to the ground or death may occur in harsh winters.

Uses

An excellent edging plant or low clipped hedge (somewhat resembling boxwood), however harsh winters may kill some plants leaving gaps. Mass as a small scale ground cover or group. Rock gardens or herb gardens. Commonly planted in old world knot and herbal gardens.

Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostratum’) Details

Common name	Wall germander
Botanical name	Teucrium chamaedrys 'Prostratum'
Plant type	Broadleaf evergreen
Family	Lamiaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	Rosy lavender to pinkish purple
Flowering period	July
Height	0.50 to 0.75 feet
Width	1.50 to 3 ft.