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Description
Teucrium Parvifolium, commonly known as small-leaved germander or baby sage, is a small, evergreen shrub that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes. This plant produces tiny, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in the summer and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Teucrium |
Appearance
Teucrium Parvifolium has small, round leaves that are about 1 cm long and 5 mm wide. The leaves are gray-green in color and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The stems of the plant are woody and grow up to 30 cm tall. The tiny flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stems and are pinkish-purple in color. The plant blooms in the summer and the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. The overall appearance of the plant is neat and tidy, making it a popular choice for ground cover in gardens and landscapes.
Care Guide
Teucrium Parvifolium is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week in the summer and every two weeks in the winter. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Teucrium Parvifolium prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Avoid heavy clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Teucrium Parvifolium is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Teucrium Parvifolium is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is not well-draining. Overwatering can also lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot. If you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation, treat the plant with a fungicide or insecticide according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Habitat
Teucrium Parvifolium is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives in hot, dry climates. It grows well in well-draining soils and can tolerate full sun or partial shade. This plant is commonly used as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes and can also be grown in containers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Teucrium Parvifolium deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Teucrium Parvifolium is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Teucrium Parvifolium be grown indoors?
A: No, Teucrium Parvifolium is an outdoor plant and requires full sun to grow properly.
Q: How often should I prune Teucrium Parvifolium?
A: Teucrium Parvifolium does not require regular pruning, but you can trim it back in the spring to maintain its shape.
Q: Can Teucrium Parvifolium be used in cooking?
A: No, Teucrium Parvifolium is not edible and should not be used in cooking.
Related Plants
- Teucrium chamaedrys
- Teucrium fruticans
- Teucrium x lucidrys
- Teucrium scorodonia
References
- “Teucrium Parvifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277063.
- “Teucrium Parvifolium.” PlantFiles, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1466/.
- “Small-Leaved Germander.” Fine Gardening, finegardening.com/plant/small-leaved-germander-teucrium-parvifolium.
