Thymus × citriodorus – Lemon Thyme
€12.50
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Description
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Lemon Thyme
- Botanical Name: Thymus × citriodorus
- Plant Type: Evergreen culinary herb / low, spreading sub-shrub
- Mature Height: 10–25cm
- Mature Spread: 30–60cm
- Flowering Period: June to August
- Flower Colour: Pale pink to lilac
- Foliage: Small green leaves with a strong lemon fragrance when brushed
- Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy in most UK & Ireland gardens; best with sharp drainage)
- Soil Requirements: Very well-drained, light to moderately fertile soil
- Aspect: Full sun (best flavour and compact growth)
- Maintenance: Low
Description
Thymus × citriodorus, better known as lemon thyme, is one of those plants that quietly makes a garden (and a kitchen) feel richer. It forms a low, spreading mat of tiny leaves that release a clean, citrus scent the moment you touch them—perfect for planting near paths, in raised herb beds, or in pots by the back door.
In summer, lemon thyme is sprinkled with pale pink to lilac flowers that bees absolutely love. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and beautifully low-maintenance, as long as it has good drainage. In the kitchen, it’s a favourite for adding a fresh lemon note to roast chicken, fish, vegetables, marinades, and even herb butters.
Whether you grow it for cooking, for scent, or simply to soften paving and gravel with something living and lovely, lemon thyme is a small plant that gives a lot back.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Planting:
Plant in spring or early autumn. Space plants 25–30cm apart for edging, or 30–40cm apart for groundcover (it will slowly knit together). Choose a sunny, open position—full sun gives the best flavour and keeps growth compact. Water in well, then water sparingly once established.
Plant in spring or early autumn. Space plants 25–30cm apart for edging, or 30–40cm apart for groundcover (it will slowly knit together). Choose a sunny, open position—full sun gives the best flavour and keeps growth compact. Water in well, then water sparingly once established.
Soil Preparation:
Lemon thyme needs sharp drainage. Improve heavy soil with horticultural grit and compost, or plant on a slight mound/raised bed. In containers, use a gritty, free-draining compost and ensure pots never sit in water.
Lemon thyme needs sharp drainage. Improve heavy soil with horticultural grit and compost, or plant on a slight mound/raised bed. In containers, use a gritty, free-draining compost and ensure pots never sit in water.
Seasonal Care:
Trim lightly after flowering to keep plants dense and prevent woody growth. Avoid cutting hard back into old, bare stems. Refresh container plants every couple of years if they become tired or woody.
Trim lightly after flowering to keep plants dense and prevent woody growth. Avoid cutting hard back into old, bare stems. Refresh container plants every couple of years if they become tired or woody.
Pests & Problems:
Generally trouble-free. The main issue is winter wet, which can cause root rot—good drainage is the best prevention.
Generally trouble-free. The main issue is winter wet, which can cause root rot—good drainage is the best prevention.
Design Notes:
Perfect for herb gardens, gravel planting, rockeries, sunny borders, and pots. Lovely alongside rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano, chives, sedum, and ornamental grasses. Plant near seating or steps for that “brush-and-smell” moment.
Perfect for herb gardens, gravel planting, rockeries, sunny borders, and pots. Lovely alongside rosemary, sage, lavender, oregano, chives, sedum, and ornamental grasses. Plant near seating or steps for that “brush-and-smell” moment.
Propagation:
Easy from softwood cuttings in late spring/summer, or by division in spring.
Easy from softwood cuttings in late spring/summer, or by division in spring.
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