Wall germander Teucrium chamaedrys
Wall germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and western Asia (dry limestone). It grows 15–35 cm (6–14 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 25 cm (10 in) apart.
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Wall germander at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 15–35 cm (6–14 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 25 cm (10 in) 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 | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and western Asia (dry limestone) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇷 Greece |
Is Wall germander toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: leaves, extracts
Germander taken as a slimming remedy caused serious liver damage in France, which banned it in 1992. Fine as an ornamental; do not drink it.
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 Wall germander
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Wall germander
- How far apart should I plant Wall germander?
- About 25 cm (10 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Wall germander need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Wall germander need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Wall germander?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Wall germander flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Wall germander poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Germander taken as a slimming remedy caused serious liver damage in France, which banned it in 1992. Fine as an ornamental; do not drink it.
- What grows well with Wall germander?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Wall 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
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Small glossy, oak-like evergreen leaves on a low subshrub that clips into a neat edge; one of the classic plants of Tudor knot gardens, alongside box, thyme and hyssop. Pink-purple flowers in summer for bees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare