Micromeria fruticosa (White micromeria)

Botanical name

Micromeria fruticosa

Other names

White micromeria, White-leaved savory, Clinopodium fruticosum, Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. fruticosum, Tea hyssop, Tea zaatar, Little mint, Wild hyssop, White zota, White savory, Zuta levana

Genus

Micromeria Micromeria

Species

M. fruticosa - M. fruticosa is a compact, tender, evergreen shrub with upright stems bearing ovate to rounded, aromatic, silvery grey-green leaves and spike-like racemes of whorled, tubular, two-lipped, white to pale lavender flowers in summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Leaves are fragrant with a lemon-mint flavour and are used mainly for making tea.

Habit

Upright

Toxicity

Should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

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Colour

Flower

White in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green, Silvery-grey in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Pruning

Pinch back stems frequently to maintain a compact, bushy habit. Pruning group 10 in early spring.

Propagation methods

Softwood cuttings, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Micromeria fruticosa (White micromeria) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.4m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Mediterranean, Indoor, Ground Cover, Gravel, Flavouring food and drinks, Edging, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Conservatory, Beds and borders, Rock

Cultivation

Plant in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in sun. Drought tolerant once established. Needs protection from winter wet. In frost-prone areas, overwinter indoors.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Micromeria fruticosa (White micromeria)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/