Thymus citriodorus (Lemon thyme)

Botanical name

Thymus citriodorus

Other names

Lemon thyme

Genus

Thymus Thymus

Species

T. citriodorus - T. citriodorus is a compact, bushy, rounded, evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrowly lance- or diamond-shaped, mid-green leaves and, in summer, clusters of small, lavender-pink flowers with leaf-like bracts.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

Foliage is aromatic with a lemon tang

Habit

Rounded, Bushy

Colour

Flower

Pink in Summer

Foliage

Green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Propagation

Cuttings root best with gentle bottom heat.

Propagation methods

Division, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Thymus citriodorus (Lemon thyme) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.3m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Between paving stones, City, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Edging, Flavouring food and drinks, Beds and borders, Gravel, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Rock, Foliage only

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Does not tolerate wet winter conditions. Suitable for use as a culinary herb, particularly with meat dishes.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Thymus citriodorus (Lemon thyme)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/