Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)

1 well-established plant in a 1 Litre pot, sent in plastic-free packaging. A versatile, low-growing Mediterranean herb, prized for its bright citrus aroma and culinary brilliance.

Perennial (Evergreen) | 15/30cm tall | Full sun | Deliciously citrusy leaves and flowers |Pollinator magnet.

Lemon Thyme is a, creeping perennial that brings a burst of the Mediterranean to the kitchen garden. It forms a dense, bushy mat of tiny, deep green leaves that, when brushed or crushed, release a sweet citrus scent. Unlike standard culinary thyme, which leans heavily into earthy, savoury notes, this specific variety boasts a bright, zesty lemon profile. It is perfect for stripping over roasted root vegetables, folding into marinades, baking into shortbread, or even steeping into a refreshing tea. In midsummer, the plant is smothered in a cloud of delicate, pale lilac-pink edible flowers that look stunning sprinkled over fresh salads.

In a permaculture or polyculture design, Lemon Thyme can be used as an understory companion. Its low, spreading habit makes it a brilliant “living mulch,” creating a fragrant carpet that protects the soil from the baking sun, retains moisture, and naturally suppresses weeds. Because it thrives in dry, nutrient-poor conditions, it is perfect for planting at the sunny, well-draining edges of a fruit tree guild or tumbling over the dry stone walls of a terraced bed. Its strong citrus essential oils act as an olfactory masking agent, naturally confusing pests like cabbage moths and aphids, making it a valuable companion plant for vulnerable crops. Furthermore, its prolific summer blooms provide a dense, easily accessible nectar source for a vast array of beneficial insects, particularly tiny predatory wasps and foraging honeybees.