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Description
Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley, also known as Lemon Thyme, is a fragrant herb that is widely used for culinary purposes. Its leaves have a lemony scent and a slightly bitter taste, making it a popular ingredient in various dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and sauces.This herb is a perennial plant that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Taxonomic Information
Domain | Eukarya |
Kingdom | Plantae |
Phylum | Angiosperms |
Class | Eudicots |
Order | Lamiales |
Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Appearance
Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley is a small, low-growing herb that typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and a width of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). It has small, oval-shaped leaves that are about 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long and 0.2-0.5 inch (0.5-1.3 cm) wide. The leaves are green and have a glossy texture, with a lemony scent.During the summer months, Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley produces small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in clusters at the top of the stems. The flowers are about 0.2-0.4 inch (0.5-1 cm) in diameter and are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley is a hardy herb that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and maintaining this plant:Water: Thyme prefers well-drained soil, so be careful not to overwater it. Water it deeply once a week during dry spells, but make sure the soil is not soggy.Fertilization: Thyme does not require much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to help it grow.Soil: Thyme prefers well-drained, sandy soil that is slightly alkaline. If your soil is heavy, you can mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.Sunlight: Thyme loves full sun, so make sure it gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.Hardiness Zones: Thyme is hardy in zones 4-9, which means it can survive cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. You can control them by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. You can prevent it by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation.
Habitat
Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley is native to the Mediterranean region and is commonly found in rocky, well-drained soil in sunny areas. It is often grown in herb gardens and is also used as a ground cover.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Thyme can be grown indoors in a sunny window or under grow lights.Q: How often should Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley be pruned?
A: Thyme should be pruned regularly to prevent it from becoming woody. You can prune it back by about one-third in the spring or fall.Q: Can Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Thyme has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.Q: Is Thymus Citriodorus Doone Valley toxic to pets?
A: Thyme is generally safe for pets, but it can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
Related Plants
Here are some other varieties of Thymus that you might be interested in:
- Thymus Vulgaris (Common Thyme)
- Thymus Praecox (Creeping Thyme)
- Thymus Serpyllum (Wild Thyme)
- Thymus X Citriodorus (Lemon Thyme)
References
- “Thymus citriodorus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g940
- “Thymus citriodorus ‘Doone Valley’.” Plant Delights Nursery. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/thymus-citriodorus-doone-valley-herb-plant
- “Thyme.” University of Maryland Medical Center. https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/thyme