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Teucrium marum

cat thyme

An evergreen, compact, bushy subshrub to around 40cm tall and wide. Aromatic leaves are small, oval grey-green with downy undersides and tiny, pink flowers are borne in late summer and autumn on spikes to 12cm long

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Green Grey Silver
Autumn Pink Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling LJD
Genus

Teucrium can be herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with paired, aromatic leaves and tubular, 1-lipped flowers in whorls

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered position with full sun in well-drained neutral to alkaline soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by softwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in midsummer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Trim back lightly after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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