About
A creeping, mat-forming subshrub, 5-10cm tall, with small dark green leaves, up to 8mm long and 4mm wide, usually fringed with minute hairs. The pale to deep purple flowers are produced in summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbs - Culinary
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toBritish Isles
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. Won't tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. Will tolerate drought and poor soils. See thyme cultivation for more information
PruningCut back in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division or plant rooted basal stem cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free