Shrubby germander (tree germander) Teucrium fruticans
Shrubby germander (tree germander) (Teucrium fruticans) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Western Mediterranean coasts. It grows 80 cm–1.8 m (31 in–5.9 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Shrubby germander (tree germander) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Shrubby germander (tree germander) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 80 cm–1.8 m (31 in–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western Mediterranean coasts |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇫🇷 France, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Shrubby germander (tree germander) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Shrubby germander (tree germander)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Shrubby germander (tree germander)
- How far apart should I plant Shrubby germander (tree germander)?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Shrubby germander (tree germander) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Shrubby germander (tree germander) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Shrubby germander (tree germander)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Shrubby germander (tree germander) flower?
- From about April for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Shrubby germander (tree germander) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Shrubby germander (tree germander)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Shrubby germander (tree germander). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Silvery-white stems and small grey leaves with pale lilac-blue lipped flowers for months; takes salt wind and clipping, so it makes a silver seaside hedge.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare