Overview
Thymus longiflorus is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thymus longiflorus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, wildlife gardens, city and courtyard gardens and cottage and informal garden.
About
Thymus longiflorus is a matforming cultivar of the Thymus genus, which comprises evergreen, woody perennials with small, fragrant leaves. This plant is suited to full sun and thrives in well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils with neutral to alkaline pH. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is ideal for coastal, gravel, rock, and wildlife gardens, as well as patios and containers. Thymus longiflorus is an evergreen herbaceous shrub that can be propagated by seed, division, or semi-hardwood cuttings, and it provides interest throughout the winter season.
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
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thymus longiflorus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thymus longiflorus
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division, in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thymus longiflorus?
Thymus longiflorus prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus longiflorus need?
Thymus longiflorus 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 longiflorus hardy in the UK?
Thymus longiflorus 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 longiflorus?
Propagate by seed or division, in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required.
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 mastichinaherb mastic
- Thymus mastichina 'PomPom'