Thymus x citriodorus (Lemon Thyme)
Lemon Thyme, Citrus Thyme
Tough and durable, Thymus × citriodorus (Lemon Thyme) is an aromatic, bushy, evergreen sub-shrub primarily grown as a culinary herb for its strongly lemon-scented, tiny leaves. Harvested throughout the growing season, the oval to lance-shaped, dark green leaves may feature a creamy variegation. They are used fresh or dried as a seasoning in salads, soups, stews, sauces, and meat or fish dishes. Growing more upright than other thyme varieties, Lemon Thyme produces small, tubular, lavender-pink flowers in terminal clusters in early summer that are attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Easy to grow, it forms a mound up to 6-12 in. tall (10-30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
- A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Thrives in sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage. Tolerant of poor soils and drought.
- Virtually disease and pest free. Watch for root rot if grown in moist, poorly-drained soils. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Perfect for edging or border fronts where a few of its stems may occasionally be crushed under foot to release their wonderful citrus scent. This plant adds character to rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardens and herb gardens. Great for containers too!
- Cut back as necessary to maintain plant appearance.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Thymus - Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Skyprayer, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Herbs, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Thymus - Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |