About

This dwarf, evergreen shrub with aromatic lemon-scented green foliage which turns bronze in spring and early winter. Purple-pink flowers with a dark burgundy-red centre appear in late spring to 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-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 usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower, Foliage

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