Thymus pulegioides Aureus (Golden Large Thyme)

Award-winning Thymus pulegioides ‘Aureus’ (Golden Large Thyme) is an aromatic, bushy, evergreen sub-shrub primarily grown as a culinary herb for its strongly lemon-scented, bright yellow leaves. Harvested throughout the growing season, the small, rounded leaves emerge chartreuse in spring, turning green with distinctive golden edges the rest of the year.

Award-winning Thymus pulegioides 'Aureus' (Golden Large Thyme) is an aromatic, bushy, evergreen sub-shrub primarily grown as a culinary herb for its strongly lemon-scented, bright yellow leaves. Harvested throughout the growing season, the small, rounded leaves emerge chartreuse in spring, turning green with distinctive golden edges the rest of the year. Redolent of lemon and thyme, they are ideal for fish and chicken dishes. In early to mid-summer, the plant is smothered in spikes of small, tubular, pale lilac flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Easy to grow, it forms a mound up to 8-12 in. tall and wide (20-30 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in most well-drained alkaline to neutral soils.
  • Virtually disease and pest free. Deer and rabbit resistant.
  • Perfect for edging or border fronts where a few of its stems may occasionally be crushed under foot to release their wonderful citrus scent. This plant adds character to rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, cottage gardens and herb gardens. Great for containers too!
  • Propagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer, although some bottom heat may be required

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Shrubs
Plant Family Thymus – Thyme
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 8"
– 1'
(20cm
– 30cm)
Spread 8"
– 1'
(20cm
– 30cm)
Spacing 8″
– 12″
(20cm
– 30cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden