About
An aromatic, evergreen, mat-forming, dwarf shrub. The tiny leaves are dark green with yellow splashes, and the flowers, borne in rounded heads in summer, are lavender-pink opening from red buds.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationRequires very good drainage, neutral to alkaline soil and a sunny position. Very intolerant of winter wet
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free