Teucrium marum

RHS Plant Profile
cat thyme
Shrubs

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Plant Range
France to Balkans

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