Teucrium argutum Plant Care

Teucrium argutum R.Br.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Teucrium argutum, commonly known as native germander, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a perennial herb often suckering, with hairy, broadly egg-shaped leaves with toothed or wavy edges, and pink-purple flowers.

🌿Shrubs🌱Herbs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Teucrium argutum?

Plant Teucrium argutum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Teucrium argutum Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Teucrium argutum?

Teucrium argutum (Teucrium argutum) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Teucrium genus. Teucrium argutum is native to eastern Australia.

Teucrium argutum displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Teucrium argutum produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Teucrium argutum?

Water a young or newly planted Teucrium argutum every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Teucrium argutum Need?

Teucrium argutum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Teucrium argutum Prefer?

Teucrium argutum tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Teucrium argutum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Teucrium argutum?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Teucrium argutum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Teucrium argutum?

Feed Teucrium argutum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Teucrium argutum?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Teucrium argutum is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Teucrium argutum?

Teucrium argutum can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Teucrium argutum?

Prune Teucrium argutum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Teucrium argutum in Winter?

Teucrium argutum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Teucrium argutum?

Teucrium argutum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to wall germander plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Teucrium argutum Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Teucrium argutum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Teucrium argutum?

Teucrium argutum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Teucrium argutum Need?

Teucrium argutum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Teucrium argutum is native to eastern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Teucrium argutum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Teucrium argutum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Teucrium genus — compare its care with other Teucrium species on PlantoScan.

Teucrium is part of the Lamiaceae plant family — browse all Lamiaceae genera and species.

Teucrium argutum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Teucrium Species

Other Teucrium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Teucrium argutum R.Br., family Lamiaceae (first published in Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 504 (1810)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Teucrium argutum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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