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golden creeping thyme

Golden creeping thyme (Thymus citriodorus Aurea) brings a vibrant splash of gold to your garden, making it a standout groundcover with unbeatable charm and versatility. This aromatic perennial is loved in New Zealand gardens for its low, mat-forming habit and lemon-scented foliage, which glows with cheerful yellow-green tones. Not only is golden creeping thyme drought-tolerant and easy to grow, but it also attracts bees and pollinators when its tiny blooms appear. Whether you’re keen to edge a pathway, fill gaps in your rockery, or create a stunning tapestry in your herb garden, golden creeping thyme is a top choice for both beauty and practicality.

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme)

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Citrus Thyme

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' is a beautiful golden leaved form of Lemon Thyme valued for its fragrant foliage, culinary uses, and ornamental appeal. The bright golden green leaves release a refreshing lemon scent when touched and provide year round colour in the garden. Small flowers appear during summer and attract bees and other beneficial insects. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' is ideal for herb gardens, borders, containers, and edible landscapes.

thymus-citriodorus-aurea-
  • Suited to regions:
    Subtropical, Temperate
  • Plant type:
    Herbs
  • Height:
    10 cm
  • Spread:
    40 cm
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Garden uses:
    Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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Thymus citriodorus (Lemon Thyme) is a fragrant evergreen herb valued for its fresh lemon scented foliage and versatile culinary uses. This low...

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Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme)

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Why Choose Golden Creeping Thyme?

The appeal of golden creeping thyme lies in its adaptability and vibrant foliage. Thymus citriodorus Aurea thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, forming a dense carpet that suppresses weeds and withstands foot traffic. Its lemony fragrance makes it perfect for sensory gardens, while its ability to handle dry conditions makes it ideal for water-wise landscapes across New Zealand. You’ll notice that the golden foliage provides year-round brightness, turning even the dullest corners into highlights. Plus, golden creeping thyme is non-invasive and stays compact without aggressive growth, making it suitable for both small urban gardens and large sprawling projects.

Planting and Care Tips

Golden creeping thyme is straightforward to plant and maintain. To get the best from Thymus citriodorus Aurea, choose a sunny spot and loosen the soil for excellent drainage. Water when newly planted, but once established, you can reduce watering—thyme prefers to stay on the dry side. Occasional light pruning keeps the foliage neat and prevents the plant from becoming woody. This groundcover works well with companion species such as Thymus Emerald Carpet (Thyme Emerald Carpet) or Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet) for a multicolour effect. For contrasting blooms, consider pairing it with Thymus praecox Albiflorus (White Creeping Thyme) or Thymus 'Bressingham Pink'.

Perfect Uses for Golden Creeping Thyme

Golden creeping thyme is a classic choice for pathways, stepping stones, and driveways, as it springs back after light treading and releases lemony fragrance with every step. It’s equally suited for borders, herb spirals, and container gardens, offering edible leaves to enhance your kitchen creations. Its vivid foliage and adaptability also make it ideal for living mulch beneath roses or shrubs, keeping weeds at bay while supporting beneficial insects. For edible landscaping, mix golden creeping thyme with Thymus vulgaris and Thymus Doone Valley (Lemon Thyme Doone Valley) for a tasty, ornamental tapestry, or complement it with Origanum vulgare Country Cream (Oregano) for delicious Mediterranean flavours. If you love unique textures, Thymus lanuginosus (Woolly Thyme) and Thymus 'Pizza' are quirky additions to your thyme collection.

Find Golden Creeping Thyme for Your Garden

Ready to enhance your garden with the golden hues and scented charm of Thymus citriodorus Aurea? Golden creeping thyme brings low-maintenance beauty, year-round colour, and a touch of culinary delight that gardeners across New Zealand appreciate. Browse our range of thymes and companion plants to discover more inspiration for creating a lush, living carpet that blends classic elegance with practicality.


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It’s easy to fall for Coprosma acerosa and Photinia 'Red Robin', but Robinia Frisia, Eugenia uniflora (Surinam Cherry), and Prumnopitys ferruginea offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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