Teucrium castrense
Care, watering, light and tips for Teucrium castrense on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Teucrium castrense
Teucrium castrense, also known as Castre Germander, is a perennial shrub from the Lamiaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its aromatic, silvery-grey foliage and small, lilac or pink flowers that bloom in summer. It is ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, or as ground cover in dry climates, adding texture and fragrance.
Native range
France (Corsica)
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and good flowering. This plant is very drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or calcareous ones, and a common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain its compact shape.
How to save a dying Teucrium castrense
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing or dry leaves. Soft or moldy stems. No flowering.
- First aid
- Repot into well-draining pot with light substrate. Water sparingly, only when soil is dry. Prune dry branches.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging or constant humidity.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't rotted. It's resilient but needs quick intervention.