Bush Germander Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'
ABOUT
Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum', commonly known as the Bush Germander, features a distinctive appearance characterized by its lovely silver-gray foliage that maintains its color throughout the year. The leaves are small, oval-shaped, and covered with a fine downy texture that gives them a soft, velvety feel. This evergreen shrub blooms profusely with striking, deep blue flowers that emerge from purplish-blue buds. The blossoms are tubular and arranged in whorls, providing a vivid contrast to the shimmering silver leaves. The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's visual appeal and ecological value. With its bushy, dense growth habit, Bush Germander has a graceful and natural form, presenting an appealing choice for gardeners looking to create a Mediterranean or drought-tolerant landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bush Germander, Tree Germander, Shrubby Germander, Blue Germander
Common names
Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Teucrium species, commonly known as Germander, can be potentially toxic to humans if ingested. While Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum' is not widely reported to cause severe poisoning, members of the Teucrium genus contain various chemical compounds that can lead to liver toxicity and damage if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of poisoning may include gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as more severe liver-related symptoms such as jaundice, hepatomegaly, and evidence of hepatic failure. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the Germander plant and to seek medical attention if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Germander can also be toxic to pets if ingested. Similar to its effects on humans, consuming parts of this plant can result in liver toxicity to animals. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and signs of liver dysfunction such as jaundice or changes in appetite. In severe cases, liver failure might ensue following the ingestion of Germander. Pet owners should be cautious and prevent their pets from consuming any part of the plant, and seek veterinary care immediately if poisoning is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Grey-green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum' is known for attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, which is crucial for the pollination of plants and the health of the ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly tolerant of dry conditions once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or gardens in arid climates.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning and infrequent watering, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its silvery foliage and vibrant blue flowers, it provides visual interest and aesthetic appeal to any garden space.
- Versatility: It can be used in various landscape designs, including hedges, borders, and as a specimen plant, providing flexibility for garden planning.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is known to be resistant to deer, which can be beneficial for gardeners in areas where deer predation is a problem.
- Evergreen Nature: As an evergreen, it provides year-round interest in the garden, retaining its leaves throughout the seasons.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum', commonly known as Bush Germander, can be used for cut flowers to provide a blue to puple color and soft texture to floral arrangements.
- Dye Production: The flowers of Bush Germander may be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, though this is less common than with other plant species.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not conventional, the leaves and flowers can be used to add aromatic garnishes to dishes, as long as they are properly identified as safe for consumption.
- Photography Subject: Due to its attractive blooms and foliage, Bush Germander can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography.
- Topiary and Hedges: Because of its dense and easily pruned growth habit, it can be shaped into various forms, making it suitable for topiary or hedging purposes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Bush Germander can be used to attract and support wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, due to its flowers and structure.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may take inspiration from the structural form and color of Bush Germander for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Erosion Control: With its robust root system, it can be planted on slopes or areas prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil.
- Perfumery: While not common, the essential oils derived from Bush Germander's foliage could potentially be used in the production of perfumes or scented products.
- Craft Projects: Dried leaves and flower stems of Bush Germander can be used in various craft projects, such as making bookmarks or potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Shrubby Germander is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Shrubby Germander is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum,' commonly known as Bush Germander, is a hardy plant that can withstand tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure challenges.
- Protection: Bush Germander has been used in traditional medicine and is believed to have protective properties, both physically and spiritually.
- Longevity: With its long-lasting blooms and evergreen foliage, Bush Germander signifies a life of prolonged vitality and health.
WaterThe Shrubby Germander should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the growing season, this might mean watering every 7 to 10 days, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water to established plants each time you water, reducing frequency during the cooler months. For potted specimens, ensure that excess water can drain freely and adjust the volume based on pot size, aiming to moisten the entire root ball without waterlogging it.
LightShrubby Germander thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in a south-facing garden or against a wall that receives ample sunshine throughout the day. Partial shade is tolerable, but flowering may be reduced in less than full sun exposure.
TemperatureShrubby Germander is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can survive brief periods at freezing conditions, just below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which promotes healthy growth. It should be protected from extreme cold and can handle temperatures up to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit without distress, assuming proper watering.
PruningPrune Shrubby Germander in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and size, as well as to promote bushier growth with more blooms. It's typically advisable to prune about a third of the old growth to encourage new stems and flowers. Pruning can also take place after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom cycle in the same season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Bush Germander should be well-draining with a slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 and 8.0. Incorporate a mix of standard potting soil, coarse sand, and small gravel or perlite to enhance drainage. Enrich the soil with compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients.
RepottingBush Germander should be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its current container. The best time for repotting is in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingBush Germander thrives in dry to average humidity conditions and does not require high humidity levels. It is well suited to typical indoor humidity levels and is tolerant of the dry air found in many homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, minimal water, and good air flow for Bush Germander.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, provide well-draining soil, and water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum', commonly known as Bush Germander, starts with seed germination in a warm, well-drained soil mix, typically in late winter or early spring. The seedlings then develop into young plants, establishing a root system and producing a set of true leaves; this stage can take a few weeks to a few months depending on growing conditions. As the plant matures, it enters its vegetative growth phase, where it focuses on leaf and stem development, usually taking one to two growing seasons before it starts flowering. Bush Germander then begins its reproductive phase, producing vibrant blue to violet flowers that attract pollinators; this bloom period can last from late spring to early fall. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, in the perennial phase, the plant continues to grow and spread, able to survive through multiple seasons with the right care and pruning to encourage new growth and flower production.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum', commonly known as Bush Germander, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This is typically done in the late summer. To propagate, select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node, ensuring that there are several sets of leaves. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, ideally one part peat and one part perlite or sand, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag can help maintain humidity. Rooting usually occurs within a few weeks, at which point the new Bush Germander can be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions before eventually being transplanted into the garden.
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