Wall Germander - Teucrium chamaedrys
12 Seeds.
Sow May - July.
Hardy perennial.
Height 45cm (18in) spread 20cm (8in).
Prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position.
These seeds need stratification to start germination. To obtain this keep the seed tray warm for 2-3 weeks followed by temperatures of 2-4° C for 4-5 weeks, keep cool once germinated.
When seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into pots and grow on until ready for planting out.
The roots are creeping with erect, square stems, which are branching and leafy. Pink flowers with a large protruding lower petal appear from mid-summer to early autumn. The aromatic leaves are dark green, small, shiny and oval. When rubbed they smell spicy.
Wall Germander
Also known as Ground Oak, Petit Chene, Chasse Fievre and Wild Germander.
From the family Lamiaceac.
A native of Europe and naturalized in Britain and other countries. The latin 'Teucrium' is said to have been named after Teucer, first king of Troy. It is the ancient Greek word for ground (chamai) and oak (drus) and its leaves resemble that of the oak tree. In medieval times it was used as a remedy for dropsy, jaundice and gout, and also used as snuff for head colds. Its herbal use today is minor. The Emperor Charles V was cured of gout by a decoction of this herbs taken for sixty days in succesion. It was said that to steep the flowering tops in white wine for 24 hours would destroy worms.