Troubleshooting
Tree Germander problems — and how to fix them
Tree Germander (Teucrium fruticans) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Frost damage to stems
Hard frosts below -5°C kill young growth and can cut the plant back to the ground; prune out dead wood in spring and protect with fleece in exposed positions or against a warm south-facing wall.
Leggy, open habit
Without regular pruning after flowering the plant becomes woody and bare at the base; cut back by up to one-third immediately after the main flush of flowers to keep the plant bushy.
Prevent tree germander problems before they start
Most tree germander issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Tree Germander problems — FAQ
Why is my tree germander frost damage to stems?
Hard frosts below -5°C kill young growth and can cut the plant back to the ground; prune out dead wood in spring and protect with fleece in exposed positions or against a warm south-facing wall.
Why is my tree germander leggy, open habit?
Without regular pruning after flowering the plant becomes woody and bare at the base; cut back by up to one-third immediately after the main flush of flowers to keep the plant bushy.