Spanish Thyme

Lippia micromera

Native to:
Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Venezuelan Antilles

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Verbenaceae
Genus:
Lippia
Species:
Lippia micromera
USDA Symbol:
LIMI6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white, pink
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from roots after fire; adapted to dry, fire-prone Caribbean scrublands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to dry, rocky areas; prefers full sun

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions; best propagated by cuttings.