With its attractive, fragrant, evergreen foliage, Mediterranean germander is a favorite plant for knot gardens.
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.
This sturdy perennial is easy to grow.
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.
It is easily shaped into borders or low hedges or planted in rock gardens.
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.
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.
In partial shade, growth slows down.
The pH should be between 6.0 and 8.0.
Most germander species tolerate dry conditions, making themideal for xeriscape 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 its less susceptible to cold damage.
Mediterranean germander does best in dry climates whereas American germander is more tolerant of humidity.
However, a springtime tool of a granular balanced general-purpose fertilizer will certainly benefit the plants 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.
Dont prune semi-shrubby germander in the fall, as this can make it more susceptible to winter damage.
Potting and Repotting Germander
Because of its compact size, germander lends itself to container-growing.
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 due to excessive humidity.
How to Propagate Germander
Mediterranean germander ispropagated by divisionor cuttings in the spring.
Place it in a location with bright light but away from direct sunlight.
Keep it evenly moist at all times.
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 ofcold stratification.
Plant seeds 1/16 inch deep directly outdoors in a weed-free garden bed or in pots filled with potting medium.
Seedsshould be barely covered as they need light to germinate.
Keep them evenly moist.
It has pink to purple flowers and grows 9 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 2 feet 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 canadenseis 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.
They produce a nectar that is irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies.
Most are heat and drought tolerant.
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 sageis a sun-loving plant with silver-green foliage.
This hardy perennial is a great addition to a garden.
Zone 4-9
Frequently Asked Questions
Because American germander spreads vigorously, it is sometimes viewed as problematic.
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.
