Teucrium Pride of Georgia

While not particularly well-known as garden plants, germanders have several desirable traits, and the Chicagoland Grows® introduction, ‘Pride of Georgia’ is no exception. Unlike other wall germanders, this selection has a low-growing, rhizomatous spreading habit that makes an excellent ground cover. With a nearly two-month bloom period beginning in midsummer, dark inflorescences with multi-toned pink flowers provide long-lasting appeal. Developed from germplasm collected in the Republic of Georgia, this cultivar will provide a unique presence to any garden. This selection can simply be grown for its attractive flowers that range from whitish-pink to deep pink borne on short, deep purple inflorescences. ‘Pride of Georgia’ has other benefits to offer though. Its short height and spreading habit make it a plant that functions well along the front edge of perennial beds. Its preference for somewhat drier conditions makes it ideal for rock gardens. Unlike other members of the mint family, its foliage lacks fragrance, but its flowers are pleasantly scented.

In 2011, a trial field was first planted with wild-collected seed-grown plants of Teucrium chamaedrys subsp. nuchense from the Republic of Georgia. Following germination, the plants were subjected to open pollination and the resulting seedlings were evaluated. In 2014, ‘Pride of Georgia’ was selected by James Ault, Ph.D., from the progeny due to its compact habit and short, upright inflorescences. Due to the nature of open pollination, the exact parentage of ‘Pride of Georgia’ is unknown. Revenue generated by this cultivar is shared with the Bakuriani Alpine Botanical Garden and Ilia State University in the Republic of Georgia.

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