Teucrium chamaedrys aka Wall Germander

Teucrium chamaedrys, or wall germander, is a small evergreen shrub. It belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Its native range spans Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It grows in Mediterranean regions within that range. Woody bases support stems that rise or spread sideways. These form a low, rounded clump that grows slowly. Rhizomes help the plant spread beyond its first clump.

Garden plants reach about 0.5–1.5 feet [0.15–0.46 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres]. Chicago Botanic Garden describes taller clumps reaching 2 feet [0.61 metres]. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stems. Each simple, oval leaf has a glossy, dark green surface. Scalloped edges give the leaves the look of tiny oak leaves. The foliage has a scent and provides winter interest. Dried leaves serve in potpourri and wreaths.

Small, tubular flowers have two lips and grow in whorls. They cluster along the upper stems and in leaf axils. Most blooms show pink to purple tones; some are white. Flowering starts in late spring and extends into early summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists May through June as its bloom season. Bumblebees visit the flowers, and the plant also attracts butterflies. Its leaves have served in teas and past herbal treatments. Those past uses alone do not establish that eating it is safe.

Give wall germander full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts poor soil but does not tolerate wet ground. Sandy soils with neutral to alkaline pH suit it. Dry to moderately moist soil meets its needs. Once established, it tolerates drought and needs little watering. NC State lists USDA zones 5–9; Chicago lists zones 4–8. Severe cold can kill stems or whole plants. A sheltered site and winter cover help reduce cold damage.

Use it for edging, low hedges, or small ground-cover groups. It also fits rock gardens, herb gardens, and knot gardens. Its spread can help hold soil against erosion. That same growth can become hard to contain. Trim after bloom to keep plants dense and neat. Frequent clipping can maintain formal shapes but removes flowers. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Serious pest problems are uncommon. Mites, mildew, leaf spot, and rust can still occur.