The Story
Plant Bio
Sideritis cypria is a small, evergreen sub-shrub native to Cyprus, prized for its woolly, aromatic, grey-green foliage and whorls of small, pale yellow flowers in summer. It is traditionally used to make an herbal tea.
Endemic to the island of Cyprus, it is a key species in the local flora, growing on dry, rocky, limestone slopes. Its leaves are particularly woolly and silvery.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Cyprus
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy, typically after 6 weeks.
- Space plants 12 inches apart for optimal airflow.
- Water consistently but avoid waterlogging, especially in winter.
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water moderately during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushier growth
- Apply organic compost annually for nutrients
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize in late fall or winter
- Refrain from heavy pruning during dormancy
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cyprus Mountain Tea questions
What zones can Cyprus Mountain Tea grow in?
Cyprus Mountain Tea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cyprus Mountain Tea deer resistant?
Yes — Cyprus Mountain Tea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cyprus Mountain Tea bloom?
Cyprus Mountain Tea typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cyprus Mountain Tea need full sun?
Cyprus Mountain Tea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Cyprus Mountain Tea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cyprus Mountain Tea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cyprus Mountain Tea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.