Felty germander (Teucrium polium)
Care, watering, light and tips for Felty germander on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Felty germander
Teucrium polium, commonly known as Germandrée polium, is an aromatic perennial subshrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family, distinguished by its grayish-tomentose foliage and small, pale white to pink flowers. This low-growing Mediterranean plant is perfect for rock gardens, dry gardens, or as ground cover in sunny areas, offering texture and a subtle fragrance.
Native range
Mediterranean region and Middle East
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be sparse, as it tolerates drought well once established; it's crucial to avoid waterlogging, especially in winter. It prefers well-drained soils, ideally calcareous and poor in nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of dryness than wetness.
How to save a dying Felty germander
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or wilted leaves, soft and blackened stems. May lose its characteristic aroma.
- First aid
- Move the plant to indirect light and good ventilation. Check substrate; if waterlogged, repot into dry. If dry, water lightly.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its worst enemy, causing root rot. Also lack of light or extreme cold.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot is not too advanced and green stems remain. Prune damaged parts and improve conditions.