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Description
Teucrium Fruticans, also known as bush germander, is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the western Mediterranean region and can be found growing in rocky, dry soils on hillsides, cliffs, and scrublands. This plant is popular among gardeners due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Teucrium |
Appearance
Teucrium Fruticans grows up to 1-2 meters tall and wide, forming a dense, rounded shape. The leaves are small, gray-green, and slightly hairy, giving the plant a silvery appearance. The stems are woody and brown, with small clusters of pale blue or lavender flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens.
Care Guide
Teucrium Fruticans is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:
Water: Water your plant regularly during the growing season, but make sure the soil is well-drained. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Soil: Teucrium Fruticans prefers well-drained soils that are slightly alkaline. If your soil is heavy or poorly drained, amend it with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure it is planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Teucrium Fruticans is hardy in USDA zones 8-11, but can be grown in cooler climates as an annual or in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter months.
Common Pests & Diseases
Teucrium Fruticans is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by powdery mildew or leaf spot if grown in humid conditions. To prevent these issues, avoid overwatering your plant and make sure it is planted in a location with good air circulation.
Habitat
Teucrium Fruticans is native to the western Mediterranean region, where it can be found growing in rocky, dry soils on hillsides, cliffs, and scrublands. It is well-adapted to hot, dry conditions and can tolerate periods of drought. It is also commonly used in landscaping and gardening due to its attractive appearance and ease of care.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Teucrium Fruticans be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Teucrium Fruticans can be grown in containers as long as they are well-drained and placed in a location with adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should Teucrium Fruticans be fertilized?
A: Teucrium Fruticans should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
Q: Does Teucrium Fruticans attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Teucrium Fruticans is a popular choice for pollinator gardens as it attracts bees and butterflies with its pale blue or lavender flowers.
Q: Is Teucrium Fruticans deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Teucrium Fruticans is deer-resistant due to its strong scent and unpalatable foliage.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Teucrium Fruticans:
- Teucrium Chamaedrys
- Teucrium Scorodonia
- Teucrium Marum
- Teucrium Polium
References
- “Teucrium fruticans.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287317.
- “Teucrium fruticans.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/325241/teucrium-fruticans/details.
- “Teucrium fruticans.” The Spruce. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/teucrium-fruticans-growing-profile-5174196.
