Wall Germander

Name: Wall Germander - Kahikatea Farm Certified Organic Nursery and Permaculture Farm
Price: 9.50 NZD
Availability: InStock

Teucrium chamaedrys

$9.50

Low growing evergreen shrub-herb or woody perennial, with glossy green leaves, native to the Mediterranean and Middle East but also naturalised in Britain on dry stone walls. The fresh leaves are bitter and pungent to the taste, and may emit a strong odour resembling garlic when rubbed. Wall germander is in flower from mid-summer to early autumn, its magenta-pink tubular flowers being typical of the mint family and very attractive to bees. Frost hardy to -25 degrees. Height to 40cm.

9cm pot

Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teucrium_chamaedrys_001.JPG

Cultivation

This easy care plant loves a sunny spot in dryish soils, and can tolerate poor stoney sites, especially on limestone. However it will also be happy in part shade and moister soils, and may need some irrigation in long dry spells. For hedging, plant at 30cm spacings and trim lightly in spring and autumn. Otherwise just trim after flowering.

Uses

Wall germander is a very ornamental plant, making a great border edging as it can be lightly clipped into shape. In this respect it is an excellent alternative to box hedging as the flowers attract bees and butterflies. Wall Germander also makes a good ground cover plant, and is excellent for xeriscaping projects.

The plant is also widely used in making alcoholic drinks with a bitter base, which have digestive qualities. For example, In Bulgaria, a tea called podabiče is made from the leaves to ease stomach aches. However caution is strongly advised when using this plant internally as overdose or over-use can cause liver damage.

Medicinal Uses

The plant was once valued for folk medicinal qualities, most specifically for the treatment of gout, but also for its diuretic properties, but is less common now as it is recognized that its use (internally) risks liver damage.

The leaves and flowers are said to contain anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, aperient, aromatic, astringent, bitter, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, stimulant and tonic properties, and are usually taken as an infusion. It can also be used externally as an astringent infusion on the gums and as a poultice on wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.

History / Folklore / Further Info

The specific epithet is from the Greek words ‘khamai’ meaning ‘ground’ and ‘drus’ meaning ‘oak, and the common name is from Late Middle English from the French word germandrée which is itself a translation of the Medieval Latin ‘chamaedrys’, both in reference to the leaves said to resemble little oak leaves.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.

Certified Organic Plant