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Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

Evergreen · Full Sun

Mature size: Held at ball size by clipping (0.75m–1.2m if left unclipped) high × Held at ball size by clipping (up–1.8m if left unclipped) wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun
  • Mature heightHeld at ball size by clipping (0.75m–1.2m if left unclipped)
  • Mature widthHeld at ball size by clipping (up–1.8m if left unclipped)
  • Frost Tolerant
  • Good in pots
  • Flowers

One of the very few genuinely silver plants available as a formal clipped ball. Gives the structure of a Buxus ball in a completely different tone, and holds condition in hot, dry and coastal positions where Buxus struggles.

Regular price $190.00
Sale price $190.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 30cm/33cm
Current height guide
Please enquire
Pot size
30cm/33cm

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire$190.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

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    About Teucrium fruticans

    Teucrium fruticans is the Silver Bush Germander, a Mediterranean evergreen grown here as a clipped topiary ball. The foliage is small, aromatic and blue-grey, with a white felted underside and matching felted square stems, so the whole plant reads silver from a distance.

    Mauve-blue flowers appear on the arching stems through spring and into summer, and in mild districts it will throw the odd flush at other times of year. The flowers are a bonus rather than the point. The reason to plant it is the colour and the form.

    It clips exceptionally well, which is why it is one of the few genuinely silver plants available as a formal ball. A pair either side of a doorway, or a run repeated down a path, gives the structure of a Buxus ball in a completely different tone.

    Full sun and sharp drainage are the two requirements. Given those, it is drought tolerant once established, handles coastal exposure and inland heat, tolerates light frost and copes with poor soil. What it will not tolerate is wet feet.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Teucrium fruticans Ball

    What is Teucrium fruticans?

    It is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae, commonly called Silver Bush Germander or Tree Germander. It is grown for its aromatic blue-grey foliage with white felted undersides and stems, and its mauve-blue flowers. These are supplied as clipped topiary balls.

    How big does it get?

    As a clipped ball it stays at whatever size you trim it to. Left unclipped the species reaches roughly 0.75 to 1.2 metres tall and spreads to around 1.8 metres, so a ball needs trimming twice a year to hold its outline rather than running to a spreading shrub.

    How is it different to a Buxus ball?

    Colour and climate. Buxus is dark glossy green and prefers moisture and some shelter. Teucrium is silver-grey and aromatic, and it wants heat, full sun and sharp drainage. In hot, dry or coastal positions where Buxus struggles or burns, Teucrium holds condition. It is the obvious substitute for a formal ball in a Mediterranean-style garden.

    When does it flower?

    Mauve-blue flowers appear through spring into summer along the arching stems, with occasional flushes at other times in mild climates. Trim lightly straight after the main flush to keep the ball tight without losing the next display.

    How do I keep the ball in shape?

    Trim lightly twice a year, once after the main flowering flush and again in late summer. Work to the existing outline rather than cutting deep. An older specimen that has opened up can be cut back harder once a year to rejuvenate it, as it reshoots well from the frame.

    Is it suitable for pots?

    Yes, and it is one of the better choices. It is naturally compact, tolerates drying out between waterings, and the silver foliage lifts a dark pot. Use a free-draining premium potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of water.

    Is it drought and frost tolerant?

    Drought tolerant once established, and it handles inland heat well. Frost tolerance is more limited, at light frosts only, so in colder inland districts give it a sheltered position. It is also reliably coastal tolerant.

    What soil does it need?

    Almost any, including poor and sandy ground and limestone soils, provided drainage is excellent. Wet feet is the one thing that kills it. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound or improve the profile with gypsum and coarse compost before planting.

    Key growing information
    Mature heightHeld at ball size by clipping (0.75m to 1.2m if left unclipped)
    Mature widthHeld at ball size by clipping (up to 1.8m if left unclipped)
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year20cm to 40cm per year
    FrostFrost Tolerant
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    FormTopiary Form · Decorative Topiary · Rounded · Compact
    UsesShrubs · Feature Tree · Driveway Border · Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Topiary Form
    • Decorative Topiary
    • Rounded
    • Compact
    Use
    • Shrubs
    • Feature Tree
    • Driveway Border
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    Mature height
    Held at ball size by clipping (0.75m to 1.2m if left unclipped)
    Mature width
    Held at ball size by clipping (up to 1.8m if left unclipped)

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

    Site: Full sun with sharp drainage. Hot overhead sun suits it.

    Hole: Dig twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. Do not plant deep.

    Planting: Set level with or slightly proud of the surrounding soil, backfill, firm in and water once deeply.

    Mulch: A light gravel or coarse mulch suits it better than heavy organic mulch, which holds moisture against the stems.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

    Paired feature: One either side of a doorway, gate or step.

    Repeated down a path: 1 to 1.5 metres apart so each ball stays a distinct shape.

    Pots: Standalone in a 40 cm or larger free-draining container.

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

    Watering: Through the first summer only, then in extended dry spells. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.

    Pruning: Trim lightly twice a year, once after the main flowering flush and again in late summer. Work to the existing outline. An older ball that has opened up can be cut back harder once a year, as it reshoots from the frame.

    Fertilising: Very light feeding only. A slow-release fertiliser in early spring is plenty. Rich feeding produces soft growth that spoils the clipped form.

    Pest and disease: Few problems. Fungal issues can appear in prolonged wet or humid weather, so avoid overhead watering and keep air moving around the plant.

    Planting Your Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary in Different Soil

    Sandy soils: Ideal, including coastal sand and limestone profiles.

    Loam soils: Excellent provided drainage is free. Do not over-enrich.

    Clay soils: The main risk. Plant on a raised mound, or work gypsum and coarse compost through the profile first. Waterlogged clay will kill it.

    pH preference: Neutral to alkaline, which is unusual and makes it a good fit for limestone ground.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Shrubs
    • Feature Tree
    • Driveway Border
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary works in an:

    • Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: Held at ball size by clipping (0.75m to 1.2m if left unclipped)

    Mature Width: Held at ball size by clipping (up to 1.8m if left unclipped)

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year.

    Growth Rate of Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary

    Is Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary frost tolerant?

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary is Frost Tolerant – Can handle light to moderate frost once established.

    Does Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary Flower?

    Teucrium fruticans carries mauve-blue flowers along its arching felted stems through spring and into summer, with occasional flushes at other times in mild districts. Trim lightly straight after the main flush to hold the ball tight without costing the next display.

    Does Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring
    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    Flower Colour:

    Purple

    Is Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary is Native to The western Mediterranean and North Africa, where it grows on dry rocky hillsides and limestone soils in full sun. That origin is the source of its heat, drought and salt tolerance, and the reason it demands sharp drainage.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary ?

    The mauve-blue flowers of Teucrium fruticans are worked steadily by bees and other pollinators through spring and summer. As a member of the mint family it is a reliable nectar source, and the aromatic foliage is largely ignored by browsing animals.

    How much Sunlight does Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary need?

    Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Teucrium fruticans tolerates a wide range of soils including poor, sandy and limestone ground. Sharp drainage is the single non-negotiable requirement, as the plant will not tolerate wet feet and rots readily in heavy or waterlogged soil. On clay, plant on a raised mound.

    Is Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary Drought Tolerant?

    Is Teucrium fruticans Ball – Silver Bush Germander Topiary Drought tolerant?

    Water Teucrium fruticans through its first summer to establish, then only in extended dry spells. It is genuinely drought tolerant after that and handles inland heat well, reflecting its origins on dry Mediterranean hillsides. Overwatering is a far greater risk to it than underwatering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Teucrium fruticans?

    It is an evergreen Mediterranean shrub in the mint family, Lamiaceae, commonly called Silver Bush Germander or Tree Germander. It is grown for its aromatic blue-grey foliage with white felted undersides and stems, and its mauve-blue flowers. These are supplied as clipped topiary balls.

    How big does it get?

    As a clipped ball it stays at whatever size you trim it to. Left unclipped the species reaches roughly 0.75 to 1.2 metres tall and spreads to around 1.8 metres, so a ball needs trimming twice a year to hold its outline rather than running to a spreading shrub.

    How is it different to a Buxus ball?

    Colour and climate. Buxus is dark glossy green and prefers moisture and some shelter. Teucrium is silver-grey and aromatic, and it wants heat, full sun and sharp drainage. In hot, dry or coastal positions where Buxus struggles or burns, Teucrium holds condition. It is the obvious substitute for a formal ball in a Mediterranean-style garden.

    When does it flower?

    Mauve-blue flowers appear through spring into summer along the arching stems, with occasional flushes at other times in mild climates. Trim lightly straight after the main flush to keep the ball tight without losing the next display.

    How do I keep the ball in shape?

    Trim lightly twice a year, once after the main flowering flush and again in late summer. Work to the existing outline rather than cutting deep. An older specimen that has opened up can be cut back harder once a year to rejuvenate it, as it reshoots well from the frame.

    Is it suitable for pots?

    Yes, and it is one of the better choices. It is naturally compact, tolerates drying out between waterings, and the silver foliage lifts a dark pot. Use a free-draining premium potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of water.

    Is it drought and frost tolerant?

    Drought tolerant once established, and it handles inland heat well. Frost tolerance is more limited, at light frosts only, so in colder inland districts give it a sheltered position. It is also reliably coastal tolerant.

    What soil does it need?

    Almost any, including poor and sandy ground and limestone soils, provided drainage is excellent. Wet feet is the one thing that kills it. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound or improve the profile with gypsum and coarse compost before planting.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Teucrium fruticans is loved for its One of the very few genuinely silver plants available as a formal clipped ball. Gives the structure of a Buxus ball in a completely different tone, and holds condition in hot, dry and coastal positions where Buxus struggles.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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