About

A mat forming, woody based, evergreen perennial or sub-shrub with small, aromatic, grey-green leaves and small, tubular pink flowers in summer.

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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs, Herbaceous Perennial
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, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in well drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. Won't tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. Will tolerate drought and poor soils. See thyme cultivation for more information
PruningCut back after flowering to maintain compactness
PropagationPropagate by division or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free