Tree germander

Many teucriums are herbaceous perennials, but there are a few shrubby species or subshrubs which are reliably evergreen if sheltered from cold winds. They are found growing wild in the Western Mediterranean, and appreciate full sun and very good drainage, preferably on light soil. T. fruticans has been grown for nearly 300 years in gardens as a flowering shrub and formal clipped greyish-green hedge, although regular trimming removes the fine spikes of pale lavender-blue, two-lipped flowers, like those of rosemary. To propagate, take cuttings from early to mid-summer.