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ShrubsHerbs - Culinary

Thymus 'Golden King' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

thyme 'Golden King'

A compact, upright, bushy, evergreen shrub with narrow, lance-shaped, aromatic, mid-green leaves with golden yellow margins. Clusters of pink flowers appear in summer

Other common names
lemon thyme 'Golden King'
lemon thyme 'Variegatus'
Synonyms
Thymus citriodorus 'Vila Nova'
Thymus citriodorus 'Variegatus'
see moreThymus citriodorus misapplied 'Golden King'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow
Summer Pink Purple Green Yellow
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter Green Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Columnar upright
Genus

Thymus are evergreen woody-based perennials, shrub or sub-shrubs with small aromatic leaves and terminal whorls of small, 2-lipped, tubular, purple, pink or white flowers in late spring or summer

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. Won't tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. See thyme cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division and semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings root best with gentle bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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