Description
Teucrium chamaedrys
Low growing (to 30cm height) evergreen shrub herb with glossy green leaves, native to the Mediterranean and Middle East but also naturalised in Britain on dry stone walls. In these areas it has a history of medicinal use, most specifically for the treatment of gout, but also for its diuretic properties. 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. 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. The fresh leaves are bitter and pungent to the taste, and may emit a strong odour resembling garlic when rubbed.
Wall germander is a very ornamental plant, making a great border edging as it can be lightly clipped into shape. It also makes good ground cover when planted at 30cm spacings. It is in flower from mid-summer to early autumn, its pink tubular flowers being typical of the mint family and very attractive to bees.
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. Frost hardy to -25 degrees.
9cm pot. Certified organic plant.
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Photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Teucrium_chamaedrys_001.JPG
