Overview
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' is a matforming alpine rockery in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around Up to 10 cm tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is a holder of the RHS Award of Garden Merit and attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, rock garden, gravel garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and wildlife gardens.
About
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' is a low-growing, evergreen sub-shrub that spreads to create a dense mat around 5 cm tall. It features small, fragrant dark green foliage and produces clusters of soft pink, two-lipped flowers at the tips of its stems.
About the genus
Thymus consists of evergreen, woody perennials, including shrubs and sub-shrubs, characterized by their small, fragrant leaves. In late spring or summer, they produce clusters of small, tubular flowers that are typically two-lipped and may be purple, pink, or white.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Shrubs
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- Up to 10 cm
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Gravel garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'
- Cultivation
- Easy 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
- Pruning
- Cut back hard after flowering to retain compactness
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'?
Easy 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.
Where is the best place to plant Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'?
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' need?
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'?
Cut back hard after flowering to retain compactness.
How big does Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' grow?
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' reaches a height of Up to 10 cm and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' hardy in the UK?
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'?
Propagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required.
Is Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' good for pollinators?
Yes — Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz' attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.