Species piggyback plant

piggyback plant

Tolmiea menziesii

The piggyback plant (Tolmiea menziesii) is an evergreen perennial that is native to much of western North America. It has trifoliate leaves and produces small pink-tinted flower heads. Once mature, it will produce small offsets - the source of its common name - which can be separated and planted elsewhere. Adaptable to most soils and easily grown in sun or part shade, it is an excellent addition to woodland gardens and containers. It is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that will spread over time.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Hardiness Zone:

4

Flowers:

Showy, White, Pink Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water lemon thyme regularly and deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so water only when the soil feels dry. During the warmer months, this may mean watering every 2-3 days, while in cooler months every 10-14 days is adequate. When in doubt, check the soil moisture with your finger, and water only when the soil is starting to feel dry.

sunlight

Lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus (syn. T. x citriodorus)) thrives best in full sun, meaning around 6 to 8 hours a day. In certain climates, however, such as in dry subtropical regions, partial shade may be preferable. The best time of day for sunlight for lemon thyme is during the cool morning and night hours, avoiding full midday sun, which can lead to leaf burn.

pruning

Pruning Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus) is important to keep it healthy and looking its best. Prune the plant in late spring or early summer, after the last frost of the season. Trim off any dead or damaged stems, then prune back the healthy stems about 1/3 of their length. This will keep the plant from becoming overgrown and maintain a full, bushy shape. For the densest possible foliage, you can also pinch back the stems when they are about 8 inches in length. Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy and compensate for any ongoing harvesting of the leaves, which can be used to season a variety of dishes.

Season

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

Starts Flowering

Starts Flowering

Harvest Fruit

Hardiness Map

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