Overview
Thymus piperella is a bushy, matforming alpine rockery in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Thymus piperella 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 piperella, known by the common name valencian thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to southeast Spain. It is used as a culinary herb, as a flavor in a digestif called 'herbero', and to soften and flavor preserved olives.
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 piperella 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 piperella
- 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 piperella?
Thymus piperella prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus piperella need?
Thymus piperella 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 piperella hardy in the UK?
Thymus piperella 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 piperella?
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
