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

Lemon Thyme

1 Gallon

$18.90

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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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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

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.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

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.

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.