This time we will talk about a species of the Teucrium genus, specifically the cultivar Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'. It is a species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Native species of the western Mediterranean region, southern Italy, Sicily, North Africa and also present in the center and south of the Iberian Peninsula.
It is a cultivar with a compact shrubby form, which can reach 1.25 meters tall by 1.25 meters wide. Very branched and voluminous plant.
Image of Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'; Source: © Guillem Morral
Its leaves are gray-green on the upper surface and silvery white on the underside, ovate, flat, entire and persistent.
In our climate, flowering occurs during the months of December to April. It is one of the winter flowering species that we market at Sala Graupera. It presents a bluish, labiate and bell-shaped flower, grouped in inflorescences in the form of a loose raceme.
Image of Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum'; Source: © Guillem Morral
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, showing resistance to moderate frosts.
Teucrium fruticans 'Azureum' is a very drought-tolerant species. It only requires support irrigation during the 8-10 weeks after planting, once well rooted it does not require any irrigation (except those planted in pots).
Its preferable location is in full sun, in this way, we will obtain a very abundant flowering. Suitable for sustainable gardens and/or coastal gardens, as it also shows resistance to salinity and sea breeze.
It develops well in fertile, deep and somewhat sandy or stony soils. Avoid waterlogging as it requires soils with good drainage.
Interesting its application as a low hedge, with a planting density of one or two plants per linear meter of hedge (it is a species that tolerates pruning very well). It can also be planted in shrubby groups, planting one plant per square meter.
It is a very resistant species, which requires very little maintenance. It is not very sensitive to pests and diseases.
In our nursery we have this species in 3L containers. It is a very recommendable and versatile plant, which we recommend taking into account.