Description
Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is a cultivar of Thymus citriodorus, commonly known as lemon thyme, which belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that is prized for its fragrant, lemon-scented foliage and attractive yellow-green color. Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ typically grows to a height of 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) and has small, oval-shaped leaves that are yellow-green in color and grow in dense mats. In the summer, the plant produces small, pink or lavender flowers that are held above the foliage on short stems. Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is a popular herb that is often used in culinary applications, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The leaves can be used fresh or dried to add a lemony flavor to a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces. The plant is also valued for its ornamental value, and is often used in herb gardens, rock gardens, and other small garden settings. Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is a relatively easy plant to care for, and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is also drought-tolerant and can be grown in containers. Overall, Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is a fragrant and attractive plant that can add flavor and interest to a variety of garden and culinary settings. Its low-growing habit and low maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Golden Thyme
- Hardiness:Fully hardy through most of the UK
- How big will I get? Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ can grow to a height of 0.2m and a spread of 0.5m.
- Did You Know That:In ancient Greece, Thymus citriodorus was used as a symbol of courage and is believed to have been used in the process of embalming?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is a versatile plant and can cope with wet or drier soils, but prefers there to be decent drainage. This plant is not tolerant of acidic soil, it requires either a neutral or alkaline soil to grow.
Best Position
Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ prefers a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ should be cut back in the autumn will promote growth the following year by redirecting energy from seed production and foliage maintenance to root growth.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ is generally pest free, and it tends not to have problems with diseases. It is also known to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is not considered to be toxic.