Repotting guide

When & how to repot Webb's Germander (Teucrium webbianum)

Also called Webb's Germander.

More about webb's germander

About Webb's Germander

Teucrium webbianum · also called Webb's Germander · flowering

Teucrium webbianum is a small, shrubby germander from the Iberian Peninsula and closely allied to other compact Mediterranean species in the genus. It forms a low, bushy mound of aromatic, grey-green foliage with small, two-lipped flowers typical of germanders, suited to rock gardens, raised beds, and dry Mediterranean-style planting schemes. Full sun and excellent drainage are the primary requirements for success. The plant is mildly toxic if ingested, in line with the documented hepatotoxic chemistry of the Teucrium genus.

Mature size: 20–40 cm tall and 30–50 cm wide.

Watch for — Root rot in poorly drained soils: Winter waterlogging is the principal threat; plant in raised beds or add substantial grit to the planting site, and avoid watering after late autumn.

How to tell webb's germander needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For webb's germander, watch for these signs:

Roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the rootball lifting the plant proud of the rim.
Soil that has shrunk away from the pot sides and no longer holds water.
The pot is unstable because the plant has grown top-heavy.
Old, compacted, broken-down mix that stays wet too long — for a succulent that is a rot risk, so refresh it even if the pot size is fine.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot webb's germander

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix. Webb's Germander's growth habit — low, compact, bushy evergreen subshrub. — sets the pace. Teucrium webbianum is a small, shrubby germander from the Iberian Peninsula and closely allied to other compact Mediterranean species in the genus. It forms a low, bushy mound of aromatic, grey-green foliage with small, two-lipped flowers typical of germanders, suited to rock gardens, raised beds, and dry Mediterranean-style planting schemes. Full sun and excellent drainage are the primary requirements for success. The plant is mildly toxic if ingested, in line with the documented hepatotoxic chemistry of the Teucrium genus.

What size pot to step webb's germander up to

Use a pot only one size up — or even the same pot with fresh gritty mix if the roots have room. Webb's Germander stores water and rots in a large pot of slow-drying soil. A tight terracotta pot that dries fast is far safer than a generous plastic one. Never up-pot a succulent by several sizes.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot webb's germander

Spring or summer, while webb's germander is in active growth and warm, is best — roots recover fastest then, and the plant is not sitting in cool damp soil. Avoid repotting a succulent in winter dormancy.

Step-by-step: repotting webb's germander

Repot dry. Do not water webb's germander for several days first. Working with dry roots and dry mix dramatically lowers the rot risk for a succulent.
Pick a snug, fast-draining pot. Choose terracotta one size up at most, with a drainage hole. Have gritty well-drained, sandy or gritty, neutral to alkaline ready.
Tip it out and clean the roots. Slide the plant out, crumble off the old soil, and trim any black, mushy or dead roots with clean snips.
Pot into dry mix. Set webb's germander at its original depth in dry gritty mix, firming gently. Do not bury the stem deeper than it was.
Wait a week before watering. Leave it completely dry and out of harsh sun for about 7 days so any damaged roots callus. Only then water lightly.

Aftercare

Keep webb's germander completely dry and out of fierce sun for about a week so any nicked roots callus before they meet moisture; watering a freshly repotted succulent is the classic way to rot it. Then resume the normal lean, dry rhythm. Do not fertilise for about 3 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for webb's germander

Webb's Germander wants well-drained, sandy or gritty, neutral to alkaline. Free-draining soil is critical; incorporate sharp grit when planting in heavier ground, and avoid any organic amendments that hold moisture around the root zone. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting webb's germander — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot webb's germander?

Every 2–3 years, into bone-dry mix for webb's germander. Repot webb's germander every 2–3 years into a snug pot of well-drained, sandy or gritty, neutral to alkaline, ideally in spring or summer. Let it sit in dry soil and do not water for about a week afterwards so any nicked roots can callus. Over-potting and watering straight away is what rots succulents.

What size pot does webb's germander need?

When is the best time of year to repot webb's germander?

Should you water webb's germander after repotting?

No — not straight away. Repot webb's germander into dry mix and wait about a week before the first watering so any damaged roots callus over. Watering a freshly repotted succulent is the single most common way to rot one.

Should you fertilise webb's germander after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 3 weeks after repotting webb's germander. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.