About
A mound-forming, bushy, evergreen shrub native to Southern Portugal with aromatic, camphor scented, ovate, dark green leaves and clusters of small, pale mauve flowers in late spring and early summer. Excellent for container growing.
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
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
Native toPortugal
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. Best grown in a container in colder climates so it can be moved into a frost free glasshouse to overwinter. 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