Germander is a genus of about 260 species in the mint family with worldwide distribution. Many species of germander are native to the Mediterranean. Germanders are either semi-shrubby plants or herbs. They are grown as garden ornamentals for their attractive, fragrant foliage and flowers, which might be blue, pink, purple, or white depending on the species. This sturdy perennial is easy to grow. The subshrub varieties lend themselves to pruning, which makes them a favorite plant for knot gardens where they can be sculpted into serpentine shapes.
Germander Overview
Where to Plant Germander
The best planting spot for germander depends on the species. Germander species that are native to the Mediterranean need full sun and well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. They should be planted in a protected spot where they are shielded from extreme cold. American germander is hardier and even adapts to soils with poor drainage.
If you are not into knot gardens, there are plenty of other ways to use germander in your landscape. It is easily shaped into borders or low hedges or planted in rock gardens. You can also plant it among perennials, where it will add evergreen color, or pair it with other pollinator plants for a colorful combo that attracts winged visitors.
How and When to Plant Germander
Plant germander in the spring after the last frost, which gives it the entire season to get established. Dig a hole at least twice the width of the rootball and place the plant in the hole. Backfill it with the original soil and tamp it down. Water it and keep the soil moist for the first few weeks and water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage a strong root system.
Spacing depends on the size of the species and what you want to accomplish. For a dense hedge, space plants 6 inches apart. For specimens or a casual row, leave about 1 foot between plants.
Germander Care Tips
Light
While germander can tolerate partial shade, it grows most vigorously in full sun. In partial shade, growth slows down.
Soil and Water
Many species of germander are native to the Mediterranean, where full sun and well-drained, sandy soils are the norm, so plant it in a spot that mimics these conditions. The pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0.
Most germander species tolerate dry conditions, making them ideal for xeriscape gardens. The one big exception is American germander (Teucrium canadense), which grows well in poorly drained soil such as rain gardens.
Temperature and Humidity
Mediterranean germander is hardy and evergreen in most regions. It is marginally hardy in some areas of Zones 5 and 6, where winter damage is common. Protect your plants from the cold by insulating them with a thick blanket of straw in winter. The foliage of American germander usually dies back during the winter and it’s less susceptible to cold damage.
Mediterranean germander does best in dry climates whereas American germander is more tolerant of humidity.
Fertilizer
Despite their slight differences in growing conditions, what all germander species have in common is that they can grow even in poor soil, so fertilization is not absolutely necessary. However, a springtime application of a granular balanced general-purpose fertilizer will certainly benefit the plant’s health. For the amount to use, consult the product label directions.
Pruning
If your semi-shrubby germander has winter damage. simply prune away dead branches the following spring, and plants will produce new foliage. Otherwise, you can prune it right after flowering which not only maintains a neater appearance but also encourages new foliage growth. Don’t prune semi-shrubby germander in the fall, as this can make it more susceptible to winter damage.
American germander does not require pruning, but it tends to reseed itself so if you want to prevent it from spreading, remove the spent flowers before they turn into seeds.
Potting and Repotting Germander
Because of its compact size, germander lends itself to container-growing. Select a pot that is about twice the diameter of the root ball to allow for growth and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Water well after planting and keep the soil lightly moist at all times—remember that germander, like all potted plants, needs more water in pots than in garden soil. Also, fertilize it a couple of times during the growing season.
Repot it to a larger pot when the roots have filled the container.
Pests and Problems
Germander has few insect and disease problems. Wall germander can be susceptible to spider mites. Disease problems such as mildew, leaf spot, and rust are often caused by excessive humidity. As a preventive measure, making sure that there is proper air circulation within plants as well as between plants.
How to Propagate Germander
Mediterranean germander is propagated by division or cuttings in the spring.
Take a 4- to 6-inch healthy cutting and remove the lower leaves, Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and insert it into a 4-inch pot filled with damp potting mix. Place it in a location with bright light but away from direct sunlight. Keep it evenly moist at all times. When the cutting grows new leaves and it does not wiggle when you gently tug on it, it should have rooted. Let it grow into a vigorous little plant before transplanting it in the garden or in a larger pot.
American germander is best grown from seed. The seeds need 60 days of cold stratification. Plant seeds 1/16 inch deep directly outdoors in a weed-free garden bed or in pots filled with potting medium. Seeds should be barely covered as they need light to germinate. Keep them evenly moist.
Types of Germander
Wall Germander
Teucrium chamaedrys (Wall germander) is a popular evergreen subshrub native to the Mediterranean. It has pink to purple flowers and grows 9 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Zone 5 to 9
Tree Germander
Teucrium fruticans (Tree germander) is a taller and bigger Mediterranean germander species that grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. It has grey-green leaves and blue flowers that resemble tiny orchids. It is much less hardy than other germanders. Zone 8 to 10
American Germander
Teucrium canadense is known as American germander or Canadian germander. It is a herbaceous perennial that grows 1.5 feet tall and wide and blooms purplish-pink in the summer. Zone 4 to 9
Germander Companion Plants
Hyssop
Hyssops are perennials that bloom for a long time in wonderful colors atop tall, striking plants. They produce a nectar that is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. Most are heat and drought tolerant. Zone 4-10
Lavender
With its calming scent, pungent taste, dainty flowers, and velvety gray-green leaves, lavender appeals to almost every sense. This shrubby perennial is deer-resistant and attracts butterflies and pollinators. Successfully growing lavender needs first and foremost sun and well-draining soil. Zone 5-9
Russian Sage
Russian sage is a sun-loving plant with silver-green foliage. This hardy perennial is a great addition to a garden. It can act as a specimen plant or provide contrast to other plants with its wispy texture and lavender or blue color. Zone 4-9
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is germander invasive?Because American germander spreads vigorously, it is sometimes viewed as problematic. Being native to North America, however, it does not fall under the common definition of an introduced invasive species.
Because American germander spreads vigorously, it is sometimes viewed as problematic. Being native to North America, however, it does not fall under the common definition of an introduced invasive species.
- Is germander evergreen?It depends on the species. The semi-shrubby wall germander and tree germander are evergreen. American germander dies back to the ground in the winter.
It depends on the species. The semi-shrubby wall germander and tree germander are evergreen. American germander dies back to the ground in the winter.