Thymus x citriodorus - (Pers.)Schreb.

Translate this page:

You can translate the content of this page by selecting a language in the select box.

Summary

Bloom Color: Lavender. Main Bloom Time: Mid summer. Form: Spreading or horizontal.

Physical Characteristics

 
Thymus x citriodorus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Jul to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies, lepidoptera.It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Synonyms

T. serpyllum citratus. T. serpyllum citriodora.

Habitats

 Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves.
Edible Uses: Tea.

Leaves - raw in salads or added as a flavouring to cooked foods[105, 183]. A delicious lemon flavour[K]. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly[200]. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves[21]. It has a pleasant lemon-like flavour and is very refreshing[183, 238].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

Antiseptic;  Aromatherapy;  Deodorant;  Disinfectant.

The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant[200, 238]. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use[238]. The leaves contain an antioxidant and regular use of the raw leaves has been shown to increase average life expectancy by about 10%. The essential oil obtained from this plant is thought to be less irritant than other thyme oils and so it is used in aromatherapy to treat asthma and other respiratory complaints, especially in children[238].

Other Uses

Deodorant;  Disinfectant;  Essential;  Pot-pourri.

The essential oil obtained from the leaves and flowering stems is used in perfumery, as a mouth wash, medicinally etc[200]. The aromatic leaves are dried and used in pot-pourri and herbal pillows[238]. The plant makes an attractive ground cover for a sunny position[201]. They are best spaced about 30cm apart each way[208].

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Rock garden. Requires a light well-drained preferably calcareous soil in a sunny position[1, 200]. Succeeds in dry soils. Thymes dislike wet conditions, especially in the winter. A layer of gravel on the soil around them will help protect the foliage from wet soils[238]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[200]. This is a very difficult genus taxonomically, the species hybridize freely with each other and often intergrade into each other[200]. Often cultivated in the herb garden for its leaves, there are some named varieties. The flowers are rich in nectar and are very attractive to honey bees[200]. A good companion for most plants[54]. Special Features:Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native, Suitable for dried flowers.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Seed can also be sown in autumn in a greenhouse. Surface sow or barely cover the seed. Germination can be erratic. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. This species is a hybrid and will not breed true from seed. Division in spring or autumn[200]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of young shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, May/June in a frame[200]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[200]. Layering.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Tomillo,

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Australia, Canada, North America, Spain, Tasmania,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Expert comment

Author

(Pers.)Schreb.

Botanical References

11200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment