Topiary Bush Germander (Sphere) / Topiary Shurbby Germander (Sphere)
Botanical Name: Teucrium fruticans (Sphere)
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Mediterranean basin (S. Europe & N. Africa)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub (clipped into a sphere)
Overview
Teucrium fruticans shaped into a crisp silver-green ball is a natural fit for Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate. It holds a tight silhouette with light, regular clips, throwing pale blue–lavender flowers when many shrubs are quiet. Heat, wind and coastal tolerant, it brings year-round polish to paths, entries and pots with very little fuss.
Key Features
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Mature Size: 0.8–1.2 m H × 0.8–1.2 m W (sphere canopy; easily kept smaller)
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Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
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Foliage: Small, opposite leaves—sage-green above, silvery-white beneath; dense branching for sharp outlines
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Flowers: Pale blue to lavender, two-lipped blooms mainly late winter–spring, with spot-flowering into summer/autumn in warm sites
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Seasonal Interest: Evergreen silver structure year-round; heaviest bloom late winter–spring with intermittent colour after light trims
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Wildlife Value: Excellent for pollinators—nectar for bees, hoverflies and beneficial insects
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Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; heat, wind & coastal tolerant; light frost hardy (~–5 °C); happy in alkaline/limestone soils; avoid waterlogging
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Planting Density: Topiary row: space 0.8–1.2 m (tight line 0.6–0.8 m); Pots: one per 40–50 cm container
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Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic
Where It Works Best
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Sunlight: Full sun (best density/flowering); tolerates light part shade
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Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam or improved clay (mound/raise in heavy soils)
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Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 14–21 days in summer (more in heatwaves/pots); rarely in winter if dry
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Maintenance: Mulch in spring; tip-clip 3–6×/yr to keep the sphere tight and trigger fresh silvery growth; light clip after main spring bloom; modest feed in early spring (don’t over-fertilise)
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Lifespan: 15-25+ years
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Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
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Soil pH: Neutral to mildly alkaline
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Topiary spheres flanking gates, paths and formal beds
- Silver punctuation in coastal and gravel gardens; pair with lavenders, rosemary and westringia
- Container showpieces for sunny patios and front entries
Why You Will Love It
A luminous silver-green workhorse: clips into a perfect ball, blooms when others rest, and thrives on heat and low water. Brush past for a gentle herbal scent, enjoy months of bee-friendly colour, and keep it photo-ready with a couple of quick trims.
