In this post we will talk about a ground cover species of the Teucrium genus, it is Teucrium ackermanii. This evergreen plant of the Lamiaceae family, from the Mediterranean region, is characterized by being a compact and creeping plant with small, linear, slightly aromatic gray-green leaves. It blooms, in our latitudes, during the summer, between the months of May and July; the flowers, grouped in heads, are small, purple-pink, labiate, very fragrant and rich in nectar to attract bees and butterflies.
- Image of Teucrium ackermanii. Source: www.commons.wikimedia.org
Its habit is ground-covering, about 10/15 centimeters tall by 30/40 centimeters wide. As we can see, it is a creeping plant of reduced dimensions, very suitable for sustainable gardening, as it is a very spectacular non-walkable ground cover during the blooming season.
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, showing resistance to moderate frosts within the Mediterranean climate.
Teucrium ackermanii is very drought resistant. It only requires support irrigation during the 10-12 weeks after planting, once well rooted it does not require any irrigation (except those planted in pots, which will require periodic watering especially during the driest months). We recommend, if spring has been very dry, to carry out some very deep watering, trying to get the water to reach deep layers of the soil. In this way we will guarantee a spectacular flowering and its survival during the summer. It is interesting to cover the soil with some species of mulch to retain soil moisture and avoid the appearance of unwanted weeds that may compete with it. The mulch can be both organic and inorganic.
Its preferred location is in full sun, since if it grows in partial shade, its flowering is almost non-existent and we will have a less compact plant. It develops well in sandy soils and as little clayey as possible, it requires good drainage. It is also tolerant to stony soils. Ideal plant for rock gardens.
- Image of Teucrium ackermanii. Source: www.vrvforum.be
In case you want to prune it, it is recommended to do it during autumn, this way we will obtain a more compact bush and ensure spectacular flowering during the following summer.
The recommended planting density is 4 to 5 plants per m2.