Overview
Thymus mastichina is a bushy, matforming alpine rockery in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thymus mastichina 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 mastichina, commonly known as herb mastic, is a bushy, matforming evergreen perennial belonging to the genus Thymus in the Lamiaceae family. This shrub thrives in full sun and well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand, making it suitable for exposed or sheltered sites. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is ideal for city gardens, wildlife areas, and Mediterranean-style borders. The plant is valued for its small, fragrant leaves and can be propagated by seed, division, or rooted basal stem cuttings in spring.
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 mastichina 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 mastichina
- 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 mastichina?
Thymus mastichina prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus mastichina need?
Thymus mastichina 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 mastichina hardy in the UK?
Thymus mastichina 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 mastichina?
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 mastichina 'PomPom'
