Teucrium gnaphalodes
Care, watering, light and tips for Teucrium gnaphalodes on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Teucrium gnaphalodes
Teucrium gnaphalodes, commonly known as woolly germander, is a perennial subshrub from the Lamiaceae family, native to the Iberian Peninsula. It is characterized by its small, lanceolate leaves densely covered with a white-silver indumentum, giving it a velvety appearance and excellent drought resistance. Its small, pale white or pink flowers appear in terminal spikes during spring and summer, creating a delicate contrast with its foliage. This plant is ideal for rock gardens, sunny borders, pots, or as part of xeriscapes, adding texture and a Mediterranean touch.
Native range
Iberian Peninsula
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be sparse, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is very sensitive to excessive moisture and waterlogging. It prefers well-drained, sandy or stony soils, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH; a substrate poor in organic matter is ideal. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot, so ensuring excellent drainage is crucial.
How to save a dying Teucrium gnaphalodes
- Warning signs
- Leaves losing silvery look, turning dull gray; soft stems, or wilting not improving with water. Act fast!
- First aid
- Repot into a well-draining pot or very well-drained soil, using cactus/succulent mix. Drastically reduce watering. Move to a spot with direct sun and good ventilation. Remove visibly rotten leaves and stems.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its nemesis. Its root system hates constant moisture and rots easily. Lack of direct sun also weakens it greatly.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted and some firm stems remain. Drainage and sun are key. Don't give up!