Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus 'Lemon') | Culinary Ground Cover

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Lemon Thyme

Thymus citriodorus ‘Lemon’

An evergreen culinary thyme with strong lemon-scented leaves and pale lavender-pink summer flowers.

$18.90

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Description

Thymus citriodorus 'Lemon' is a delightful, evergreen perennial prized for its bright, citrusy fragrance, small glossy green leaves, and low-growing, spreading habit. This popular culinary thyme forms a dense, creeping mat of tiny, oval, dark green leaves that release a strong, fresh lemon scent when brushed or crushed, making it a must-have for herb gardens and sensory plantings. In early to mid-summer, it produces clusters of small, two-lipped, tubular, pale lavender-pink flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The leaves are edible and widely used in fish dishes, roasted chicken, salads, herb butters, marinades, and herbal teas, as well as in baking (such as lemon thyme cake). With excellent tolerance for light foot traffic, drought, poor soils, and deer, it is an outstanding choice for between stepping stones, rock gardens, slopes, as a ground cover, and in containers.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Tiny, oval, glossy, dark green, aromatic leaves with strong lemon fragrance; clusters of small, two-lipped, tubular, pale lavender-pink flowers in early to mid-summer .
Mature Height: 4-12 inches
Mature Spread: 8-12 inches (spreading)
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-10 ; Sunset 1-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flavor and flower in full sun)
Core Benefits: Strong lemon-scented edible leaves, dense evergreen mat, drought tolerant, tolerates light foot traffic, attracts pollinators.
Best Uses: Herb gardens, between stepping stones, rock gardens, ground cover, containers, culinary gardens, sensory gardens.

Faqs

Q: How is Lemon Thyme different from common thyme?
A: Lemon Thyme has a distinct, strong lemon fragrance and flavor, while common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has a more earthy, peppery, herbaceous scent. Its leaves are also slightly brighter green and broader.

Q: How can I use Lemon Thyme in cooking?
A: The edible leaves are excellent fresh or dried in fish dishes, roasted chicken, salads, herb butters, marinades, salad dressings, and herbal teas. It also pairs beautifully with fruits and is used in baking, such as lemon thyme cakes or shortbread.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: For the best flavor, densest growth, and most abundant flowers, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily).

Q: Can it tolerate foot traffic?
A: Yes, it can tolerate light, occasional foot traffic, making it perfect for planting between stepping stones or as a low-maintenance lawn alternative.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

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San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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