Taming the Wall Germander: A Guide to Propagating Teucrium junceum
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with a unique charm, look no further than Teucrium junceum, commonly known as Wall Germander. This Mediterranean native boasts beautiful silvery foliage and delicate pink-purple flowers that attract pollinators. While often admired in established gardens, the good news is that propagating Teucrium junceum is achievable for even beginner gardeners.
Here, we’ll delve into the two most effective methods to multiply your Wall Germander collection:
1. Propagating Teucrium junceum from Cuttings:
This method offers quick results and is generally preferred for its higher success rate. Here’s how:
Timing is Key:
- Best time: Late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
- Avoid: Propagating during the heat of summer or the dormancy of winter.
Gathering Your Supplies:
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors.
- Small pots (approximately 3-4 inches in diameter)
- Well-draining potting mix formulated for cuttings.
- Rooting hormone (powder or gel form). – Optional but recommended.
Taking the Cuttings:
- Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the current year’s growth.
- Cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf attaches to the stem), making a cut approximately 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving 2-3 pairs at the top.
Potting and Care:
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional but encourages root development).
- Make a hole in the potting mix with your finger or a pencil.
- Gently insert the cutting into the hole and firm the soil around it.
- Water the cutting thoroughly.
Creating a Humid Environment:
- Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or use a humidity dome to create a greenhouse-like environment.
- Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
- Check the soil moisture regularly and keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Transplanting:
- After 4-6 weeks, gently tug on the cutting – resistance indicates rooting.
- Once roots have established, transplant the cutting into a slightly larger pot or outdoors in a well-drained location.
2. Propagating Teucrium junceum from Seed:
While possible, propagating from seed can be less predictable with germination rates varying.
Seed Collection and Sowing:
- Collect seeds from dried flower heads in late summer or fall.
- Sow seeds in seed trays or pots filled with seed-starting mix during spring.
- Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not bury them deeply.
Seedling Care:
- Similar to cuttings, provide a warm, bright location with indirect light.
- Mist the soil regularly to keep it consistently moist.
- Be patient, as germination can take several weeks.
Transplanting:
- Once seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted individually into larger pots or outdoors after the last frost.
Tips for Success:
- Wall Germander thrives in well-drained soil. Choose a potting mix or garden location accordingly.
- These plants are relatively drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overwatering.
- Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth.
Propagating your own Teucrium junceum is a rewarding experience, allowing you to expand your garden with this charming and resilient plant. Whether you choose cuttings or seeds, these methods provide a pathway to cultivating a beautiful and drought-tolerant landscape.