The Story
Plant Bio
Teucrium chamaedrys, commonly known as Wall Germander, is a low-growing perennial shrub with aromatic, evergreen leaves and spikes of tubular, pale violet to purple flowers that attract pollinators.
This cultivar is distinguished by its bright chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage, which holds its color well throughout the growing season. It produces spikes of pinkish-purple flowers in summer.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Considered toxic; can cause liver damage if ingested
Bloom period
Mid-summer – Late summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in spring.
- Water lightly until established, about 2 weeks.
- Place in full sun for best flowering results.
- Thin seedlings to promote airflow and growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to encourage bushiness 🌱
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds 🌱
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning after flowering ❌
- Use heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Summer Sunshine Germander questions
What zones can Summer Sunshine Germander grow in?
Summer Sunshine Germander is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Summer Sunshine Germander deer resistant?
Yes — Summer Sunshine Germander is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Summer Sunshine Germander bloom?
Summer Sunshine Germander typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Summer Sunshine Germander need full sun?
Summer Sunshine Germander does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Summer Sunshine Germander drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Summer Sunshine Germander handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Teucrium to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Summer Sunshine Germander 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.