Overview
Thymus citriodorus is a low-growing, spreading perennial herb in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thymus citriodorus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include culinary herb, ground cover and ornamental border plant. It is native to Mediterranean region.
About
Thymus citriodorus, the lemon thyme or citrus thyme, is a lemon-scented evergreen mat-forming perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae. There has been a great amount of confusion over the plant's correct name and origin.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thymus citriodorus
About the genus
The genus Thymus contains about 350 species of aromatic perennial herbaceous plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean area of Europe, North Africa and Turkey.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thymus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thymus (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Thymus citriodorus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Habit
- Low-growing, spreading
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Culinary herb, ground cover, ornamental border plant
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
- Fragrance
- Lemon-scented
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thymus citriodorus
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
- Pruning
- Trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Thymus citriodorus?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Thymus citriodorus?
Thymus citriodorus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus citriodorus need?
Thymus citriodorus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Thymus citriodorus?
Trim after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Thymus citriodorus hardy in the UK?
Thymus citriodorus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Thymus citriodorus?
Seed, cuttings, division.
