Mountain tea (Sideritis scardica)
Care, watering, light and tips for Mountain tea on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Mountain tea
Sideritis scardica, commonly known as Mountain Tea, is an aromatic perennial herb prized for its medicinal properties and ornamental appeal. Its upright stems are covered in soft, woolly leaves, and in summer it produces spikes of pale yellow flowers. It's ideal for rock gardens, herb gardens, or as a potted plant on sunny balconies, adding a rustic, Mediterranean touch.
Native range
Balkan Peninsula
Care tips
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, preferably sandy or stony, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings; it is very drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so it's better to underwater. It does not require excessive fertilization, as it thrives in poor soils.
How to save a dying Mountain tea
- Warning signs
- Wilted, yellowing, or brown-spotted leaves. Stunted or weak growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. Ensure good ventilation and direct sun. Prune spent flowers.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and lack of light. Does not tolerate waterlogging or prolonged shade.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not rotted and conditions are corrected quickly.