Thymus citriodorus GrowFlow Cascata Lemonade - Lemon Thyme

Thymus citriodorus 'GrowFlow Cascata Lemonade' is a variety of lemon thyme unique with its trailing cascading habit, particularly suitable for hanging baskets. Its small, highly aromatic leaves reveal a lemony flavour and scent reminiscent of lemonade. They can be used fresh or dried to accompany fish dishes, flavour desserts, or create soaps, perfumes, sachets... The plant blooms in summer, producing small lilac-pink flowers. A hardy perennial that thrives in sunny and dry, infertile soil, it is also perfect for rockeries, the tops of walls, borders, and dry gardens.

Thyme 'Cascata Lemonade' is a horticultural creation derived from Thymus x citriodorus. The latter has a controversial origin, with some botanists considering it to be a hybrid of Thymus vulgaris (common thyme), while others classify it as a separate species called Thymus serpyllium var. citriodorus. Nevertheless, it is a medicinal and aromatic plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae (or Labiatae), native to Southern Europe and North Africa.

This GrowFlow Cascata Lemonade variety exhibits a low-growing, trailing, well-branched habit: the plant forms a carpet of foliage which is 10 to 12 cm (4 to 5in) high and 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) wide. Its small, oval and toothed foliage, light green-yellow in colour, covers its stems. It is evergreen through winter. Numerous essential oil glands are visible under a magnifying glass on the 0.5 cm (0.2in) long leaves. Flowering occurs from June to July-August depending on the climate. Tiny tubular and bilabiate flowers in shades of pink-mauve or lilac bloom in clusters on the current year's growth, attracting numerous pollinating insects. Like many Mediterranean plants adapted to drought, thymes develop a dual root system consisting of a central taproot, that penetrates deeply into the soil or rock crevices, and a superficial network of very long rootlets capable of capturing even the slightest surface moisture.

Thyme 'Cascata Lemonade' is decorative all year round and proves to be very hardy when planted in well-drained or even arid soil. Its attractive habit sets it apart from other culinary plants and works wonders in hanging baskets, rockeries, or to cover the top of a wall. It can be paired, for example, with Aubrieta canescens, golden or silver baskets, teucrium, and creeping rosemary. It is also used as a seasoning; its lemonade-scented leaves are highly appreciated in cooking. Used alone, they flavour fish dishes, drinks, and desserts, replacing lemon zest. They can also be incorporated into sauces, marinades, and stocks. They are also used in infusions, renowned for relieving digestive ailments. A sun-loving plant, thyme can also be planted in dry borders or in pots, keeping it within easy reach near the kitchen...