Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

This thyme is primarily grown as an herb, for it's rich, lemony scent. Lemon thyme grows up to 12 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide; it's height makes it a poor choice as a lawn alternative, but its toughness and scent make it well suited to the sides of paths and walks. Tiny leaves are deep green, and the flowers, which appear in late spring, are pale lilac. Both the leaves and flowers are edible.

Grow in well drained soil in full sun; prefers a sandy-loamy soil, but will grow in clay soil that has been amended. The plant can get a little woody, and so cut back the stems as necessary to keep tidy or encourage new foliage. To use, snip stems off, and either bundle them up and toss them in the pot (and fish out the woody stems later) or strip the leaves off and use. Though thyme may be dried, its flavor is so much better and brighter when used fresh. Use the flowers as garnish for salads or other dishes.