Dwarf Germander

Teucrium chamaedrys 'Prostrata'

Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostrata’ (‘Nanum’) in May 2013 on 60% ET0. Photo: SK Reid.

Summary

By August, the two lowest irrigation treatments, 20 and 40% ETo, were yielding significantly lower relative growth than the highest irrigation treatment, though not the 60% treatment. The highest irrigation at 80% ETo did not yield the highest quality ratings however, which were achieved at the 60% level. The spreading habit of this plant is to send out roots under the mulch and pop up at some distance from the original plant, leading to a scattered, disconnected look for a groundcover. It may have filled in given additional time in the ground.

As a part of the trials dwarf germander was also grown in several UCCE Master Gardener demonstration gardens throughout California. Master gardeners varied in their response to this species. Inland San Diego did not recommend it for its lack of vigor in their garden, and Ventura County found it unimpressive and easy to miss where they had it planted. Other gardens found it attractive, useful, and were fond of the floral display in the spring. Its need for deadheading to stay attractive after blooming was considered a detriment, as it is difficult to shear off flowers from a low-growing plant. However, it hardiness and generally tidy appearance when not blooming were its strong features.

Growth and Quality Data

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Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Prostrata’ in October 2013 on 60% ET0. Photo: SK Reid.