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Herbs - CulinaryShrubs

Thymus pulegioides 'Lemon King'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A dwarf, evergreen shrub with aromatic lemon-scented green foliage which turns bronze in spring and early winter. Purple-pink flowers with a dark burgundy-red centre appear in late spring to early summer

Synonyms
Thymus serpyllum 'Citriodorus'
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Pink Red Green Bronze
Summer Purple Pink Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green Bronze
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Thymus are evergreen woody-based perennials, shrub or sub-shrubs with small aromatic leaves and terminal whorls of small, 2-lipped, tubular, purple, pink or white flowers in late spring or summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Pruning group 10

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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