Species lemon thyme
green-brown foliage with beige
 stems

lemon thyme

Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus'

Also Known As - creeping thyme
Lemon thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus') is a delicate, low-growing herb with tiny evergreen leaves that have a light, lemony fragrance. A perennial, it is perfect for covering the ground and its small flowers provide a splash of color in summer. Lemon thyme is an easy-care plant, and its delicate foliage makes it an attractive groundcover between larger plants. Not only does it add flavor to the garden, it also makes a tasty addition to many dishes. Plant it in sunny, well-drained soil and dry it for winter use. With minimal effort, lemon thyme will bring beautiful color and flavor to the garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Deep pink Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

yellow,brown Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Lemon thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus') is an herbaceous perennial shrub that prefers a dry climate and does best in full sun. It's important to give lemon thyme the right amount of water. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Water your thyme every 7-10 days during the summer when the weather is hot and dry. Aim to add enough water so that the top inch of soil is moist. Water less frequently in autumn and winter when growth is slower; in these seasons, wait until the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Lemon thyme is sensitive to overwatering, so be sure not to water too often or give too much water at once.

sunlight

Lemon thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus') is a small perennial herb that tolerates light shade but grows best in full sun. It needs 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Plant Lemon thyme in a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. In hotter climates, it is best to provide more shade. In milder climates, the plant can withstand full sun. The direct sun may also help bring out the lemon scent in the leaves.

pruning

Lemon thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus') should be pruned in spring or summer when new growth begins to appear. Pruning should be done to promote full and bushy growth and to remove any dead or damaged branches or stems. The plant can be trimmed back by up to 1-third of its length. This will ensure that the plant stays healthy and does not become overgrown. The leaves can also be pinched back to encourage bushy growth. Pruning should be light and should not be done too often as it can reduce flowering and can also damage the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus' (Lemon Thyme) is usually from July to September.

Starts Flowering

Lemon thyme typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Lemon thyme typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Thymus serpyllum 'Pygmaeus' (Lemon Thyme) is usually from July to September.

Hardiness Map