Sideritis scardica
Greek Mountain Tea
Common names: Greek Ironwort, Ischgebirgstee
Photo: Daderot · Public Domain · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Greek Mountain Tea, botanically Sideritis scardica, originates from the mountainous regions of Greece, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, where it has been used as a tea herb for centuries. Its fine silvery leaves and yellow flower clusters also make it an attractive ornamental perennial for herb beds. The plant prefers dry, well‑drained soils and full sun; it rots quickly on wet, heavy soils. In mild climates it can survive winter outdoors, while in harsher regions a spot on a south‑facing wall or winter protection with straw is recommended.
Care instructions
Plant in full sun, wind‑protected location with lean, well‑drained soil; heavy clay soils should be amended with sand or gravel. Water sparingly, only when the soil has noticeably dried out, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. Fertilization is largely unnecessary; a light application of compost in spring is sufficient. After flowering, prune stems in late summer to keep growth compact and encourage new shoots next year. In regions with severe winters, cover the plant from November with straw or burlap, especially if it is young.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, dry, lean, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
particularly well establishedYou will find that basil next to tomato and pepper improves taste and keeps whiteflies and aphids away.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
cabbage family (Brassicaceae)
You will notice that the intense scent of basil, thyme, and others confuses the cabbage whitefly and keeps it away from the cabbage family.
For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue
Source: bio-gardening intercropping practice
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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