About
A creeping evergreen subshrub, forming a wide mat to 5cm tall, with very small, aromatic dark green leaves. Two-lipped, dark pink to magenta tubular-shaped flowers appear in the summer. Great for ground cover, with edible flowers.
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
ExposureExposed
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, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Can be grown in a pot in an alpine house; use a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and grit
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by taking semi-hardwood cuttings in mid to late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free