Germander (Teucrium) is actually an old medicinal plant. However, the subshrub is also often cultivated as an ornamental plant in the garden. Due to its low stature of only 15 to 60 cm, Teucrium is ideal as a ground cover. In addition, its pink to blue-violet flowers are extremely decorative and conjure up wonderful accents in the garden bed.
From a distance, the Germander's flowering rods are reminiscent of sage or Günsel. Like these, Teucrium also belongs to the mint family, which also includes other medicinal plants, including Günsel, mint, rosemary and nettle. Especially with a view to the Günsel, confusion occurs relatively often. Because numerous species such as the field bugle (Ajuga chamaepitys) or the creeping bugle (Ajuga reptans) were counted in the genus Teucrium for a long time.
One of the most popular Germander species, the noble Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys), however, still belongs to the ancestral genus. Today it is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its blue to red-violet, occasionally white-pink lipped flowers beautify the garden bed from June to August. This makes Germander an ideal flowering shrub for the summer border. And you can also plant the plant in the herb bed.
Germander as a medicinal herb
With its essential oils, tannins and bitter substances, Germander contains three classic groups of active ingredients that are also typical of many other medicinal herbs. These primarily have an astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and digestive effect, which is why Edel-Germander in particular is popular in folk medicine for
respiratory problems
e.g. asthma, bronchitis or coughs
digestive problems
e.g. loss of appetite, flatulence, diarrhoea, bile or gastrointestinal weakness
skin problems e.g. inflammatory wounds, skin inflammation or wound healing disorders
systemic diseases e.g. gout or rheumatic diseases
is used. For internal use, a tea was usually made from two teaspoons of Germander herb. This should even help you lose weight because it helps to detoxify the body through its digestive and dehydrating properties. Strengthens as a spiced wineGermander also the digestion. Externally, for example for wounds or skin inflammation, compresses, healing baths and washing with Germander help.
» Important: Premium Germander should only be enjoyed in moderation. In addition to all its healing active ingredients, Teucrium chamaedrys also contains Furano-neo-Clerodane. They can damage the liver if overdosed, which is why Germander should be used sparingly as a medicinal herb.
Germander in the garden
Germander species have long been misunderstood as garden plants. Only in rural garden concepts, such as cottage gardens or natural gardens, was their rustic beauty appreciated. A culture of Germander in the garden can be worthwhile, and not just for healers. Because with the Germander you get an extremely powerful beneficial insect pasture in the garden bed, which magically attracts bees in particular. Up to five different species of bees have chosen the Germander as one of their favorite sources of pollen and nectar. Anyone who plants Teucrium is therefore making an important contribution against the species extinction of the bee colonies, which are now under severe threat.
Germander species are native to almost the entire world. In Europe alone there are around 50 species, which thrive particularly well in the Mediterranean region. Accordingly, Germander is ideal for Mediterranean garden concepts, where it harmonises wonderfully with other Mediterranean herbs such as lavender or sage.
Germander also does quite well in the rock garden, steppe garden or prairie garden. Its rustic appearance goes perfectly with the austere charm of these garden styles. Because Teuchrium is also a good ground cover, it can also be used as an edging for flower beds and borders in the flower garden.
Flowers and flowering plants such as
are good plant partners for the semi-shrub
- Beardtongue
- Blue Diamond
- Dost
- Holy Herb
- Girl's Eye
- Silkblast
- Coneflower
- cracker
- Hyssop
» Tip: You can plant Germander as a hedge. This results in an original bed border, especially in the cottage garden, which, depending on the variety, even has evergreen leaves.
Germander - location and planting
Germander likes a sunny location or at least a spot in the light semi-shade. Despite its sun-drenched nature, Teucrium copes well with the cold in winter. The subshrub is hardy to -28 °C and therefore does not need onespecial winter protection.
The soil should be well-drained, gritty-loamy and not too nutritious for the needs of Germander. A certain amount of lime in the substrate, on the other hand, supports the growth of the semi-shrub. Soil pH is right for Teucrium with neutral to slightly alkaline values between 6.5 and 8.
➔ Plant Germander - step by step
1. Step: Although you can plant Germanders in containers all year round, it is best to plant them in spring. The subshrub then has enough time until winter to establish itself at the location. This makes it more robust, so that it is well protected against the cold season.
2. Step: Optimize the site soil well before planting. Substrates that are too heavy should be enriched with gravel and provided with a gravel drainage. If the soil is too nutrient-rich, you can thin it with lime powder.
3. Step: The correct planting distance for germanders in beds is approx. 20 to 30 cm. There should not be more than 9 to 12 plants per square meter. If you want to cultivate the subshrub in small groups or as a hedge plant, you can reduce the distance to an average of 20 to 25 cm. This results in dense growth, which is particularly effective in group plantings.
Water and fertilize Germander
Germander is relatively well adapted to dry soils, but in its natural habitat it prefers dry meadows and rocky steppes. Nevertheless, the substrate should not permanently dry out completely. The perennial is therefore best watered moderately but regularly.
Regular fertilization is unnecessary for Germander. Since the plant loves soil that is low in humus and nutrients, it is sufficient to distribute some compost or horn shavings in the root area every few years.
Pruning and propagating Germander
Whether Germander needs to be cut or not depends on the species on the one hand. On the other hand, the culture variant also determines the need for pruning. Small species such as the garlic Germander (Teucrium scordium), for example, are only 10 to 14 cm high. A cut is hardly necessary with this small growth height.
Hedge crops and larger shrub plantations of species such as the noble Germander or wintergreen Germander (Teucrium x lucidrys), on the other hand, require an occasional topiary. In addition, cutting back in autumn can reduce flowering in taller varietiesimprove.
➔ Shape cut on Germander
In order to support Germander's compact growth habit, you should specifically cut back the runners of the plant. The subshrub can then better invest its energy in the growth of the main shoots. Since Teucrium is also very pruning-tolerant, a comprehensive shape pruning in July can also be used to create sophisticated shapes.
➔ Cut back on Gamnder
In autumn, cut back larger Germander species completely. To do this, shorten all shoots to a length of 10 cm close to the ground. In the spring, the subshrub will drive vigorously again. In addition, by removing immature seed heads, you can avoid uncontrolled self-seeding by Germanders.
➔ Gamnder taper cut
Older germander bushes tend to bare from the inside out. This is usually due to the poor lighting conditions in the middle of the bush. For this reason, in addition to the seasonal pruning measures, a thinning pruning should be carried out every few years. Primarily crooked and stunted shoots are removed.
» Tip: You can take wonderful cuttings from the cut shoots of Germander to propagate the subshrub. Simply plant the cuttings in a pot with potting soil or directly in a desired spot in the outdoor bed. This also works very well with offshoots that are transplanted in the same way. Alternatively, older plants can also be propagated by root division.
Germander species for every purpose
Of the more than 250 species of the genus Teucrium, it is not only the Germander that is suitable for garden cultivation. Many Germander species have been cultivated since the 18th century, resulting in various cultivars with different growth heights and flower colors. A few of the most beautiful species and variety recommendations can be found below.
➔ Germander (Teucrium fruticans)
| Tree Germander (Teucrium fruticans) | |
|---|---|
| Flowering: | March to October |
| Flower Color: | rare blue flowers |
| Growth: | 250 cm |
| Special Features: | a Germander that grows particularly tall with unique blue flowers; is wonderful as a shrub or hedge plant, but is a little less frost-resistant |
| popular variety: | 'Azureum' - deep blue flowers andsilver green leaves |
➔ Germander (Teucrium montanum)
| Mountain Germander (Teucrium montanum) | |
|---|---|
| Flowering: | June to September |
| Flower Color: | cream white to light yellow |
| Growth: | up to 25 cm |
| Special Features: | Forgotten medicinal plant, said to revive the dead; stimulates the circulation and revitalizes; is also a real insider tip among hardy alpine garden and rock garden plants |
➔ Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys)
| Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) | |
|---|---|
| Flowering: | June to August |
| Flower Color: | violet |
| Growth: | up to 30 cm |
| Special Features: | the traditional Germander for the garden; also known as Germander; is cultivated as an ornamental shrub and medicinal herb |
| popular varieties: | 'Album' - lush white flowers 'Christine' - light pink to purple flowers 'Nanum' - lilac flowers 'Snowflake' - white flowers |
| » Show more pictures and dates | |
➔ Cat Germander (Teucrium marum)
| Cat gamander (Teucrium marum) | |
|---|---|
| Flowering: | June to July |
| Flower Color: | red-violet |
| Growth: | up to 30 cm |
| Special Features: | Popular fragrant and aromatic herb; Likely cultivated as a perennial potted plant for the balcony or terrace; Outdoors, however, much more sensitive to frost than other Germander species |
➔ Caucasus Germander (Teucrium hircanicum)
| Cat gamander (Teucrium marum) | |
|---|---|
| Flowering: | June to October |
| Flower Color: | burgundy |
| Growth: | up to 60 cm |
| Special Features: | Very tall Germander species, which is ideal for hedges because of its dense and upright growth; The perennial bloomer comes into its own in the bed with plant partners such as feather grass or purple coneflowers |
| popularSort: | 'Paradise Delight' - grows a little more compact |
Diseases and Pests
No particular signs of damage to Germander are known.