Iranian Germander (Teucrium hircanicum) is native to Iran. The plant forms a small bushy shrub with textured sage-green aromatic leaves and long flower spikes with rosy purple flowers opening from jade green buds which emerge in late spring and continue to bloom throughout summer and into autumn. Flowers attract butterflies and bees. Iranian wood sage is a drought tolerant perennial that is also heat tolerant. Common Names include Caucasian Germander and Iranian Wood Sage.
Growing Iranian Germander
Indoor Sowing: Spring and Autumn.
Direct Sowing: Spring and Autumn.
- Plant Iranian wood sage in full sun — partial afternoon shade will be a benefit in extremely hot climates.
- While it can grow in soil conditions that range from rocky to average or even somewhat moist, be sure the soil is quick draining. This plant suffers if over-watered.
- Enrich the soil with organic material before planting in spring.
- Sow the seeds during autumn or spring on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays.
- Seeds must be sown thinly. Do not cover the very small seeds, but tightly press them into the compost. Water from the base of the tray.
- Keep the compost moist but not wet at all times.
- Germination occurs about 5 to 10 days after planting.
- Prick out each seedling once it has its first set of true leaves and transplant into 7.5cm pots containing free-draining compost and grow them on in frost free conditions until large enough to plant outside.
- Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10 to 15 days before planting out after all risk of frost has passed.
- Overwinter autumn sown plants in frost-free conditions before planting out the following spring. Plant 30 to 60cm apart.
- Plants grow to 60cm in height and can be divided in spring.
Medical Disclaimer
Information is for educational and informational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. The information is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment offered by healthcare professionals.