title: “Germander” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-26” author: “Josephine Petrocco”
How to Grow Germander
Plant germander in well-drained soil and full sun (which promotes vigorous growth) or part shade (which slows growth). Most germander species tolerate dry conditions, making them ideal for xeriscape gardens. One exception: American germander (Teucrium canadense), which is native to North America, grows well in poorly drained soil such as that of rain gardens. Germander is hardy and evergreen in most regions. It is marginally hardy in some areas of Zones 5 and 6, where winter damage is common. If your germander experiences winter damage, simply prune away dead branches the following spring, and plants will produce new foliage. Protect plants susceptible to damaging cold by insulating them with a thick blanket of straw in winter. Regarding pruning in general: The best time to prune this plant is right after flowering, because spent germander flowers give it an unkempt appearance. Pruning restores germander’s structural presence in the garden. Pruning after flowering also encourages the plant to channel energy into creating new foliage. If needed, remove a few inches of green, leafy growth (along with the flower stalks) to reduce plant size. Avoid pruning plants in fall as the new growth will be susceptible to winter damage.