About
A very compact, dwarf, evergreen, mat-forming shrub. The highly-aromatic foliage is dark green and the flowers, produced in dense whorls in summer, are mauve-pink.
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
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Alpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, 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. Suitable for rock garden or paving crevices, where they release their fragrance when trodden on. Attractive to bees
PruningCut back 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