Overview
Thymus hirsutus is a bushy, matforming alpine rockery in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thymus hirsutus 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 hirsutus is a cultivar of the Thymus genus, which comprises evergreen, woody perennials including shrubs and sub-shrubs with small, fragrant leaves. This bushy, matforming plant thrives in full sun and is suitable for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with an alkaline to neutral pH. Flowering in late spring and summer, it produces clusters of small, tubular flowers typical of the genus. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is well suited to city gardens, cottage gardens, and Mediterranean-style borders.
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 hirsutus 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 hirsutus
- 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 hirsutus?
Thymus hirsutus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus hirsutus need?
Thymus hirsutus 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 hirsutus hardy in the UK?
Thymus hirsutus 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 hirsutus?
Seed, Division, Rooted basal stem cuttings in spring.
More in the Thymus genus
- Thymus 'Magic Carpet'thyme 'Magic Carpet'
- Thymus 'Provence'
- Thymus (Coccineus Group) 'Purpurteppich'thyme 'Purpurteppich'
- Thymus citriodorus
- Thymus integer
- Thymus kotschyanus
- Thymus longiflorus
- Thymus mastichinaherb mastic
