Orangelo Thyme (Thymus fragrantissimus) is a compact, vigorous herb that fills the air with a heavenly citrus fragrance the moment you brush past it. Hardy from zones 5 to 10, this heirloom cultivar reaches just 8 to 12 inches tall and can be harvested for culinary use in 75 to 90 days. It thrives in poor, dry soils where other plants struggle, making it one of the easiest thymes to grow, whether in rock gardens, containers, or straight into the herb patch.
9
Full Sun
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5-10
12in H x ?in W
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High
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This thyme wafts a supremely fragrant citrus aroma that sets it apart immediately. Its legendary ability to flourish in nutrient-depleted and drought-stressed soil means you can tuck it into the worst corner of your garden and watch it thrive. Compact and slow-growing, it never gets leggy or demanding, and its leaves deliver culinary-grade flavor without fussy care. The plant's vigor belies how little it actually needs to succeed.
Orangelo Thyme is a culinary herb prized for its citrus-scented leaves, which can be harvested and used fresh or dried in the kitchen. The foliage brings a bright, orange-tinged flavor to dishes, teas, and preparations where a subtle citrus note enhances rather than overwhelms. It's equally at home in the ornamental landscape, where its compact form and fragrance make it a sensory addition to rock gardens and container arrangements.
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Harvest leaves just before the plant blooms for the most intense flavor. Pinch or cut stems from the growing tips, removing no more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it productive. The plant will regenerate quickly, especially if you continue harvesting regularly throughout the growing season.
Orangelo Thyme responds well to light pruning to maintain its compact, tidy form. Harvest leaves regularly just before the plant blooms to capture peak flavor; this pruning also encourages branching and keeps the plant full and vigorous rather than leggy.
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