About
A creeping, low-growing, evergreen subshrub. In summer, purple-pink flowers are held above small, aromatic green leaves.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny position in well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy or likely to sit wet over winter, grow in a pot, in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit. Remove fallen leaves that settle on thyme plants in autumn, to prevent rotting. See thyme cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Dead flower heads can be snipped off in late summer
PropagationPropagate by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free