Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus ‘Lemon’) is a hardy perennial herb that can spread and spread quickly. Generally, this vigorous, spreading perennial will spread at least 18 inches in width, and sometimes as far as two to three feet.
It will increase in size each year as it is quite hardy. Lemon thyme grows in an upright bush form, and with the right soil and climate it can reach a height of around 20 inches in two to three years.
With regular deadheading and pruning it can be kept to a more manageable size. Lemon thyme flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a great addition to any garden.
Is lemon thyme creeping?
No, lemon thyme is not a creeping plant. It is an evergreen shrub, which means it can reach up to 24 inches in height. The stems are semi-woody and have a semi-lax habit, which means they may overhang or lean.
Leaves are gray-green and release a strong lemon scent when touched. The flowers are small, pale lilac or white blooms in the late summer. It can be grown in the ground or in containers and prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
It does not tolerate heavy, wet soil and can spread up to 2 feet wide. It is an ideal plant to be grown as a low hedge or edging plant, as well as being used as an ornamental herb in a culinary garden.
Will lemon thyme come back?
Yes, lemon thyme will come back year after year, although the exact timing of its growth and blooming will vary depending on your specific climate. Lemon thyme is actually a perennial, meaning it will regenerate from the roots each spring, sprouting and growing with each new season.
Lemon thyme is not a particularly demanding plant and is actually quite resilient, so planting it and providing basic care in the form of full sun, adequate water and occasional pruning should ensure it returns fittingly each year.
Does lemon thyme keep mosquitoes away?
No, lemon thyme does not keep mosquitoes away. Some plants are known to naturally repel mosquitoes, such as basil, lavender, marigolds, and citronella. However, lemon thyme is not on this list, so it will not help keep mosquitoes away.
Additionally, while some essential oils of lemon thyme can act as a natural insect repellent due to their scent, they are not as effective as products that contain DEET. Therefore, lemon thyme is not an effective way to keep mosquitoes away.
Where do you plant lemon thyme?
Lemon thyme should be planted in a sunny, well-drained location in the garden. It prefers light, sandy, or even rocky soils, so it’s important to ensure that your soil is providing these conditions. Lemon thyme can also be planted in containers or raised beds, as long as you remain mindful of its light and water needs.
When planting in garden beds, space lemon thyme about 8-12 inches apart to provide adequate airflow and room for growth. Avoid using fertilizers as lemon thyme is a slow grower and does not need additional nutrition to survive.
If you choose to use fertilizer, look for slow release formulas, which will provide a gentle, steady quantity of food over the course of a season. Be sure to water lemon thyme regularly and minimize overwatering, as this can easily damage this species of herb.
Keep in mind that lemon thyme likes to be misted regularly with water and also appreciate temperatures that aren’t too hot. If possible, protect it from extremely cold night temperatures as hard frosts can cause issues.
With the proper care, lemon thyme makes an excellent addition to your garden and can be used to flavor dishes including salads, poultry, and fish.
Should I cut flowers off lemon thyme?
Generally, it’s best to leave lemon thyme alone – that is, don’t cut off the flowers, as flowers are essential for the life cycle of the plant. Lemon thyme flowers are small and provide important reproductive resources to bees, other pollinators, and possible beneficial insects.
Allowing lemon thyme to flower also helps ensure a continued supply of herbal flavors. Lemon thyme contains essential oils that produce the plant’s lemony aroma and provide a range of sustaining and therapeutic qualities including anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
To this end, cutting off the flowers and leaves of lemon thyme not only decreases the season-long harvest but may also lessen any medicinal qualities.
Can lemon thyme survive winter?
Yes, lemon thyme can survive winter. This is because it is a perennial plant that is able to withstand cold temperatures. While it may not grow during the winter months, it will stay alive and continue to thrive.
To help ensure it survives the winter months, it should be planted in an area that is sheltered from the wind, such as near a wall or fence. During colder months, the soil should be kept moist to ensure the plant isn’t stressed from dry soil.
Additionally, a light mulch of hay, leaves or straw can be placed around the base of the plant during the colder months to help insulate the soil and help protect the plant’s roots from the cold.
Does thyme come back every year?
Yes, thyme is a perennial herb which means it is able to come back every year in the same spot and provide new growth each spring. It usually produces a full, lush foliage in just a few weeks and it is a hardy herb that can survive even cold climates.
With sufficient moisture and a sunny location, the thyme will re-emerge and grow without fail each year. The plant should be fertilized two to three times each year with organic fertilizer to ensure optimal health and reward you with fresh, vibrant foliage that will last all season long.
How do you divide lemon thyme?
When dividing lemon thyme, it is important to use a sharp, sterilized knife to do the job. First, gently dig around the edge of the plant to loosen the soil. Once the soil is free, carefully lift out the entire clump of the herb from the ground.
You can then use the knife to separate the lemon thyme clumps into smaller, individual sections. Be sure to leave a portion of leaves attached to each clump for the healthiest plants. After each piece has been cut, replant each section into the prepared soil.
Keep the soil moist and make sure each plant has access to plenty of sun. If the soil is too moist, the leaves may become soggy and rot. Lemon thyme should divide every three to four years to promote healthy new growth.
What bugs does lemon thyme repel?
Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is an herb that is most often used for cooking, but its amazing aroma also repels many different types of bugs. It plays a key role in the practice of companion planting, where different plants are placed together to take advantage of their natural abilities to benefit other plants in their vicinity.
The strong smell of lemon thyme has been proven to naturally repel a variety of pests and insects, including moths, ants, cockroaches, fleas, slugs, fruit flies, and aphids. The aroma also helps ward off mosquitoes, as well as other insects that are attracted to sweet scents.
The antibacterial properties of lemon thyme make it perfect for keeping away bacteria-carrying bugs like fruit flies and mosquitoes.
In addition, the antifungal properties of lemon thyme are great for treating and repelling a range of fungal diseases. Lemon thyme is also reputed to repel larger pests like rabbits, gophers, and voles.
All in all, lemon thyme is a great option for naturally repelling many different types of bugs without the use of harsh chemicals.
What plant keeps snakes away?
Many plants have been traditionally believed to keep snakes away. Some of these plants contain volatile oils and compounds that are thought to repel the reptiles. However, anecdotal evidence does exist for many of them.
Some plants which have been said to deter snakes include marigolds, calflora (mole plant), lavender, lemongrass, holy basil, onion, eucalyptus, garlic and wormwood. All of these plants are strong-smelling and contain volatile oils which can be believed to repel snakes and other reptiles.
Marigolds, in particular, are often used to keep snakes and other pests away from homes and gardens. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your garden is well-tended and free of sources of food or shelter for snakes.
Keeping the area around your house clear of tall grass, weeds, and dead foliage may help deter snakes from entering your home as well.
Does thyme repel mice?
Yes, thyme can be used to repel mice. Studies have shown that burning thyme can be effective in driving away mice, and it can also be used as a deterrent around areas where you don’t want mice to enter.
Applying a few drops of the essential oil of thyme around the house or other areas where you have noticed mice activity can be a safe and non-toxic way to keep the creatures away. Furthermore, it has been said that putting thyme sachets around the home has also had positive results in keeping away mice.
Additionally, using a homemade spray made from a mixture of water and thyme oil can also provide a solution for repelling mice. Regardless, you should ensure to keep the area around your house clean and to seal all openings to keep away the mice and other rodents.
Does lemon thyme make a good ground cover?
Yes, lemon thyme can make a good ground cover as it is hardy, easy to maintain, quick to grow, and can spread easily. In addition, it can tolerate dry soil and only needs to be watered occasionally. Lemon thyme is an evergreen herb, so it provides colour and texture to gardens throughout the year.
It can be used as a replacement for grass in areas where grass is difficult to grow, such as under trees and in rocky areas. The leaves stay green all year round, so it helps to provide permanent cover and colour.
It is also able to deal with harsh sunlight and is tolerant of cooler climates. It can be easily cut back and maintained with regular trimming. Lemon thyme has a pleasing aroma and can help to attract bees and other pollinators to your garden.
Therefore, it is a good choice to use as a ground cover in a wide variety of gardens.
What’s the difference between thyme and lemon thyme?
The main difference between thyme and lemon thyme is the lemon flavor and scent of lemon thyme. Thyme is an herb with an aromatic flavor that is used to season many dishes. It has an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
Lemon thyme, on the other hand, has a stronger hint of lemon zest. This type of thyme is often used to flavor fish, chicken, or veggie dishes. It is also used to decorate salads and to make teas. Lemon thyme is a bushy perennial shrub with light green leaves and small pale pink flowers.
In comparison, regular thyme is a low-growing perennial shrub with small, waxy green leaves and tiny white to pink flowers. The leaves of both types of thyme can be used to season food, but the lemon thyme has a more pronounced citrus flavor that can’t be replicated by other herbs or spices.