Overview
Thymus cherlerioides is a bushy, matforming alpine rockery in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thymus cherlerioides grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds.
About
Thymus cherlerioides is a mat-forming, well-branched thyme grown for rockeries, borders and as a culinary herb. It remains evergreen and suits sunny, well-drained sites on chalk, loam or sand. Flowering occurs from June to September. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions and suits alkaline to neutral soils.
About the genus
The genus Thymus contains about 350 species of aromatic perennial herbaceous plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean area of Europe, North Africa and Turkey.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thymus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thymus (plant)
In the garden
Thymus cherlerioides belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and combines a mat-forming habit with persistent, evergreen foliage suited to rockery and alpine planting. As a member of the Thymus genus it is used both in borders and as a culinary herb, and is often planted where a low, spreading ground cover is required. Plant into freely draining chalk, loam or sandy soils with an alkaline to neutral pH and place in full sun; it will tolerate south-, west- or east-facing aspects. Soil should be well drained rather than moisture-retentive, and the species suits both exposed and sheltered sites. Hardiness is H5 (hardy), so it is robust in typical UK garden conditions without the need for winter protection in most situations. Use Thymus cherlerioides in city courtyards, cottage or informal gardens, wildlife areas or Mediterranean-style schemes; it also works well at the front of flower borders and within rockeries where a low, mat-forming habit is wanted. Expect flowering from June to September, when it produces a summer display appropriate for edging and dry, sunny pockets in the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thymus cherlerioides size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Bushy, Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thymus cherlerioides
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Rooted basal stem cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thymus cherlerioides?
Thymus cherlerioides prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus cherlerioides need?
Thymus cherlerioides is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Thymus cherlerioides hardy in the UK?
Thymus cherlerioides has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Thymus cherlerioides?
Seed, Division, Rooted basal stem cuttings in spring.
