About
An evergreen, spreading sub-shrub, to 20cm high, with small, aromatic, green leaves irregularly-variegated with cream and short spikes of tiny purple-pink flowers in late spring and early 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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils in full sun
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free