Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Teucrium heterophyllum or Canary Teucrium

The genus Teucrium, family Lamiaceae, comprises 300 species of perennials and shrubs from the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. Some species are: Teucrium heterophyllum, Teucrium fruticans, Teucrium flavum, Teucrium chamaedrys, Teucrium pyrenaicum, Teucrium aroanium, Teucrium polium, Teucrium scorodonia.

Common name: Canary Teucrium. This species is native to the Canary Islands and Madeira.

They are lightly aromatic evergreen shrubs with a compact bearing that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The interesting silvery foliage is made up of ovate or lanceolate leaves with a soft hairy feel. The abundant orange-red flowers contrast with the leaves. They can bloom from late fall to late spring.

Canary Teucrium is used on edges, on slopes, in bushy groups contrasting with other plants with green foliage, in rockery and in large pots.

Teucrium heterophyllum needs full sun exposure and high temperatures. It does not resist temperatures below 10 ºC (50 ºF).

Canary Teucrium prefers a well drained soil, slightly stony and containing organic matter; it can also grow on poorer soils.

Water regularly in spring and summer, waiting until the soil has almost dried out. In autumn and winter reduce watering a lot.

Fertilize with compost or manure in the fall.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

Teucrium heterophyllum is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Canary Teucrium is propagated from seeds sown in spring or fall in the seedbed and by cuttings in late summer.

Images of the shrub Teucrium heterophyllum or Canary Teucrium