Lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus 'Silver Queen')
Thymus × citriodorus 'Silver Queen' is a low-maintenance Lemon thyme prized for its silvery-edged, lemon-scented foliage and pale lilac blooms.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ is a distinguished cultivar of lemon thyme valued highly by gardeners for its striking bicolor foliage. This erect, bushy perennial offers tiny, dark green leaves neatly bordered with silver, providing year-round ornamental interest, especially when maintained as an evergreen in milder climates. Beyond its visual appeal, the rich lemon scent of the leaves makes Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ an essential culinary herb.
This low-maintenance herb thrives in conditions that mimic its preferred Mediterranean origin. It demands full sun and excellent drainage, tolerating drought and even poor, rocky soils once established. Gardeners seeking functional beauty will appreciate this strong performer, as it is attractive to bees while generally deterring deer.
Growing Lemon thyme like the ‘Silver Queen’ cultivar provides excellent textural contrast in garden beds. It maintains a low, spreading profile, making it practical for borders or as an informal groundcover that releases its signature aroma when brushed against.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-1 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: July
- Bloom Description: Pale lilac
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ is best executed in spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring it establishes before summer heat. Locate it in an area receiving full sun, as insufficient light diminishes both its fragrance and compact growth habit. The most crucial factor for success is soil drainage; this plant dislikes consistently moist or wet conditions, which can lead to fatal root rot. Loose, sandy, or rocky soils with low fertility are ideal.
Once established, care for Lemon thyme is minimal. Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry out significantly between irrigation sessions, reflecting its drought tolerance. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary, as rich soils can encourage leggier, less aromatic growth. Pruning is important primarily for shaping and encouraging bushier new growth.
To keep the plant vigorous and limit woody stems associated with age, cut back stems throughout the season as needed, either to harvest leaves or to control its spread. In mild winter climates, the foliage of Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ remains evergreen, offering structure during colder months. Always harvest leaves fresh for the best culinary flavor.
Landscape Uses
The contrasting silver-edged foliage of Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ offers excellent ornamental value, making it useful far beyond the dedicated herb patch. Its low, spreading habit makes it an exceptional choice for use as a ground cover in rock gardens where drainage is naturally excellent. It also performs beautifully along border fronts, softening hard edges between pathways and taller plantings.
As a culinary herb, integrate it directly into kitchen gardens where its scent can be easily accessed for salads, soups, and seasoning mixtures. Consider planting it near patios or seating areas where its aroma is released when stepped upon or brushed by passersby.
For visual impact, pair this perennial thyme with other sun-loving, drought-tolerant herbs like lavender or silvery Artemisia. Its low profile complements upright plants beautifully, creating layers of texture and color suitable for xeriscaping designs.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Thymus × citriodorus, commonly called lemon thyme is primarily grown as a culinary herb for its rich, lemon-scented leaves. It is an erect, bushy, woody-based perennial which typically grows 4-12” tall with upward branching stems. The specific cultivar ‘Silver Queen’ is noted for its defining characteristic: leaves edged with silver, significantly boosting its ornamental appeal.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Thyme varieties, including Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’, are generally resilient against most common insect pests and diseases. The primary threat to this perennial is moisture mismanagement. Root rot is a significant concern, developing when the plant sits in overly moist or poorly-drained soil, especially during winter dormancy.
Prevention centers entirely on location and soil preparation. Ensure planting sites offer excellent drainage, incorporating grit or sand if native soil is heavy clay. Avoid overhead watering late in the day, which keeps the foliage damp overnight. If overcrowding occurs, gently thin the stems to improve air circulation around the base of the Lemon thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Lemon thyme suitable for?
Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ grow?
This perennial typically reaches a height between 0.25 and 1 foot tall, spreading outward from 0.5 to 1.5 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ need?
This plant requires full sun exposure to flourish, maintain compact growth, and produce the strongest lemon fragrance.
When does Lemon thyme bloom?
Bloom time for this variety is generally in July, producing beautiful whorls of tiny, pale lilac flowers.
Conclusion
The Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ offers gardeners a versatile, low-maintenance plant combining culinary utility with striking variegated foliage. Its silver accents and reliable lemon scent ensure that this Lemon thyme remains a favorite for borders and herb gardens alike. Before planting, confirm your garden site provides full sun and excellent drainage to guarantee years of low-effort performance.
Companion Planting
When planning the garden around your Lemon thyme, focus on companions that share its love for dry conditions and full sun exposure. Good partners include other woody herbs like true Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) or English Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). These plants will not compete for water or quickly overwhelm the low-growing profile of the ‘Silver Queen’.
Integrating native, drought-tolerant perennials like Sedum or certain varieties of ornamental grasses also works well in rock garden settings. This approach ensures that the entire planting scheme thrives in bright sunlight and requires minimal supplemental watering throughout the heat of summer, respecting the needs of the Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’.
Propagation Tips
Thymus × citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’ is most effectively propagated via stem cuttings, a technique that guarantees the new plant maintains the exact silver-leaf characteristic of the parent. Take semi-hardwood cuttings—stems that are flexible but not overly green and floppy—usually in mid-summer.
Strip the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, though this step is often optional for hardy herbs like thyme. Place the prepared cuttings into a well-draining medium, such as a 50/50 mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the cuttings consistently moist (but never soggy) and place them in bright, indirect light until roots develop, typically within 4 to 6 weeks, providing new plants for next season.
