About
This spreading, mat-forming subshrub with aromatic, evergreen, yellow and green variegated foliage and whorls of mauve flowers 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
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Shrubs
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in most well-drained alkaline to neutral soils in full sun. Suitable for rock garden or paving crevices, where they release their fragrance when trodden on. Attractive to bees
PruningCut back hard after flowering to retain compactness
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