Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys).
Wall Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) is a flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, particularly the Mediterranean region, and is often found in dry, rocky habitats such as walls, cliffs, and sunny banks, which is how it earned its common name. The plant grows to about 20-30 cm tall, with small, fragrant, purple-blue flowers that bloom from June to August. It has narrow, pointed, gray-green leaves and a woody stem.
In terms of its characteristics and care:
1. **Growth Habit**: Wall Germander is a low-growing, evergreen subshrub with a sprawling or mounding form. It can spread out to cover ground or climb up walls and rocks.
2. **Soil**: It prefers well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions.
3. **Sunlight**: Full sun is ideal for this plant, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
4. **Watering**: Water sparingly as it is a drought-resistant plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
5. **Pruning**: It can be pruned after flowering to maintain a neat shape or to control its spread.
6. **Hardiness**: It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8, meaning it can tolerate a range of temperatures from cold to warm.
7. **Propagation**: Wall Germander can be propagated by seed or by cuttings taken in the spring or summer. It can also be divided in the fall or spring.
8. **Pests and Diseases**: It is generally pest-free but can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. It is also relatively disease-resistant.
9. **Uses**: It is commonly used in rock gardens, as ground cover, in dry borders, or as an edging plant. It can also be planted to stabilize soil on slopes or banks.
10. **Flowers**: The flowers are small and tubular, arranged in whorls along the stem, and they attract bees and butterflies.
11. **Fragrance**: The leaves have a pleasant, aromatic scent when crushed.
12. **Toxicity**: All parts of the plant are considered toxic if ingested and can be harmful to humans and animals. It should not be grown where children or pets may come into contact with it.
13. **Deer and Rabbit Resistance**: Wall Germander is often cited as deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant, making it a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
Remember to handle the plant with care due to its toxicity and always wear gloves when working with it to avoid skin irritation.