Teucrium chamaedrys ‘Bluemel’ is a compact evergreen shrub with deep green scalloped foliage and upright spikes of rosy purple flowers that bloom in summer. Known for its tidy low growing habit and aromatic leaves, it is often used as a formal edging plant or ground cover in sunny dry landscapes.
Height & Spread: 6 - 12 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, rocky or sandy soils; tolerates poor fertility
Watering Needs: Low; prefers dry to medium conditions once established
Deer Resistance: Highly deer and rabbit resistant due to aromatic foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Teucrium chamaedrys, a species native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. It is not native to North America but is well adapted to dry garden settings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Attracts honeybees and small native bees, including sweat bees and mining bees which are drawn to its nectar rich flowers in summer.
Butterflies
- Visited by butterflies such as Gray Hairstreak and Pearl Crescent, which feed on its vibrant purple blooms in full sun locations.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to form a continuous border or low massed planting without overcrowding.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for low hedging, herb gardens, rock gardens, and formal knot gardens. Also works well in raised beds, containers, and xeriscapes.
Companion Plants
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Shares aromatic qualities and sun loving nature, creating a fragrant, drought tolerant pairing.
- Salvia officinalis (Common Sage) - Provides textural and color contrast with culinary and ornamental value in herb or dry gardens.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) - Complements Teucrium’s vertical flower spikes with a spreading, flowering carpet.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Adds pollinator support and vibrant summer color in mixed perennial beds.
- Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ - Offers finely cut silver foliage that contrasts beautifully with Teucrium’s glossy leaves.