Purple Tails Wood Sage (Teucrium hyrcanicum), also known as Caucasian Germander, is a hardy perennial celebrated for its dense, upright spikes of deep reddish-purple flowers and long-lasting summer color. This non-GMO variety thrives in sunny, dry, and well-drained conditions, making it an excellent perennial for pollinator gardens, mixed borders, cottage plantings, and drought-tolerant landscapes. With a strong vertical form and continuous flowering, Purple Tails Wood Sage adds eye-catching structure and color to any garden.

Features

• Produces tall, showy reddish-purple flower spikes
• Non-GMO perennial germander variety
• Long-blooming and highly attractive to pollinators
• Thrives in sunny, well-drained locations
• Excellent for borders, cottage gardens, and meadows
• Drought-tolerant once established
• Low-maintenance, vigorous, and reliable

Specifications

• Common Name: Purple Tails Wood Sage, Caucasian Germander
• Scientific Name: Teucrium hyrcanicum
• Plant Type: Perennial
• USDA Zones: 4–9
• Season: Blooms summer to early fall
• Height: 18–36 inches
• Bloom Color: Reddish purple
• Foliage: Green, textured, aromatic leaves
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Well-drained, dry to moderately fertile soil
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Heat Tolerance: High
• Cold Tolerance: Excellent
• Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Seed Longevity: 1–3 years in cool, dry storage

Planting Guide 

• Sowing Method: Start indoors or direct sow outdoors.
• Seed Preparation: Surface sow; seeds require light to germinate.
• When to Plant:
• Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Outdoors: After last frost
• Sowing Depth: Do not cover; press lightly onto soil surface.
• Germination Time: 14–28 days.
• Light Requirements: Full sun.
• Soil Conditions: Well-drained, slightly dry to average soils.
• Watering: Moderate moisture until established; drought-tolerant afterward.
• Maintenance:
• Deadhead to extend blooming
• Cut back in late fall or early spring
• Allow self-seeding for naturalized clusters