Teucrium fruticans L.

Taxonomy and Common Names

Teucrium fruticans, commonly known as tree germander or shrubby germander, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae.

Native Range

It is native to the western and central Mediterranean.

Size and Growth Habit

This spreading evergreen shrub grows 1 meter (3 feet) tall and reaches 4 meters (13 feet) wide.

Foliage and Flowers

It produces arching velvety white shoots, glossy aromatic leaves, and pale blue flowers that bloom in summer.

Etymology

The Latin specific epithet fruticans translates to "shrubby" or "bushy".

Cultivar Recognition

The cultivar 'Azureum', which has darker blue flowers, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Temperature Hardiness

T. fruticans is hardy only in milder regions where temperatures do not drop below −5 °C (23 °F).

Cultivation Requirements

It grows best in the shelter of a wall, in full sun, and in neutral or alkaline soil.