About
A dense, mat forming, evergreen sub-shrub with small, ovate, highly aromatic, dark green leaves and dense whorls of small, purple-pink flowers appearing in early 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 pHNeutral, Alkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, 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. Suitable for rock garden or paving crevices where they release their fragrance when trodden on. See thyme cultivation for more information
PruningCut back after flowering to maintain compactness
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings. Use bottom heat for root initiation
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free