Teucrium marum (Cat thyme)

Botanical name

Teucrium marum

Other names

Cat thyme

Genus

Teucrium Teucrium

Species

T. marum - T. marum in a borderline hardy, mound-forming, evergreen perennial with upright stems bearing small, oval, grey-green leaves and spikes of pink flowers in summer.

Native to

Mediterranean

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Upright, Cushion or Mound Forming

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Colour

Flower

Yellow-green, Cream in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Cats

General care

Pruning

Trim back after flowering to promote the production of new leaves.

Propagation methods

Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Teucrium marum (Cat thyme) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Garden edging, Ground Cover, Underplanting, Woodland

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Protect with a dry mulch in winter. Dislikes winter wet. Extremely attractive to cats.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

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

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Teucrium marum (Cat thyme)

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/