Teucrium fruticans

A bushy evergreen shrub which grows naturally to a height of 1.5m and width of 1.5m.

White hairy small grey-green aromatic leaves on furry white square stems.
In late spring through summer it produces small lipped pale blue flowers in terminal racemes.

Prefers free-draining soil in full sun and is great for windy sites with poor dry soil. Will tolerate moderate frosts. It will also tolerate poor soils.

Always choose healthy, well grown plants and plant after autumn rains when the soil is still warm this allows plants to make good root growth before the following summer. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser, and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins. Plant approximately 0.75 to 1m spacing.

Apply mulch annually. This will help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Trim plants to stimulate new growth and maintain shape. Teucrium can be trimmed a few times a year which encourages bushy growth.

Flowers attract butterflies and bees.

Edible Garden