Thymus pulegioides aka Large Thyme

Taxonomy ID: 10505

Thymus pulegioides, also known as broad-leaved thyme or lemon thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and is a small, spreading subshrub with strongly aromatic leaves and lilac pink flowers that bloom in early summer. The plant grows to 5-25 cm tall by 25 cm wide and has woody stems and a taproot. Its leaves are in opposite pairs with short stalks, and the linear ovate blades have untoothed margins. The usually pink or mauve flowers form rounded umbels and each has a tube-like calyx and an irregular straight-tubed, hairy corolla. The upper petal is notched, and the lower one is larger than the two lateral petals and has three flattened lobes that form a lip. Each flower has four projecting stamens and two fused carpels. The fruit is a dry, four-chambered schizocarp. Large Thyme, a super rare houseplant that belongs to the Thymus genus and is native to Europe to Northwestern China, is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light, and should be less than 1 foot from a window. The plant likes soil that is well-draining and doesn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size. The specific epithet pulegioides highlights its similarity to another species within Lamiaceae, Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal).

Common names

Large Thyme, Wild Thyme, Lemon Thyme

More information about Large Thyme

How difficult is it to take care of Large Thyme

Are you up for a challenge? Large Thyme will test your gardening skills and require extra care and attention to thrive.

What is the growth pattern and size of Large Thyme?

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

What is the region of origin of Large Thyme

Large Thyme’s native range is temperate Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

What are the water needs for Large Thyme

Large Thyme should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Large Thyme

Large Thyme loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Large Thyme

Large Thyme requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Large Thyme will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

What's the right humidity for Large Thyme

The Large Thyme is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

How to fertilize Large Thyme

The growth of Large Thyme is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Is Large Thyme toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

More info:
Wikipedia