Overview
Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' 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 'Snowdrift' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, mediterranean climate plants and flower borders and beds. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Flanders.
About
Thymus serpyllum, known by the common names of Breckland thyme, Breckland wild thyme, wild thyme, creeping thyme, or elfin thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is a low, usually prostrate subshrub forming creeping stems up to 10 cm (4 in) tall.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thymus serpyllum
About the genus
The genus Thymus contains about 350 species of aromatic perennial herbaceous plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean area of Europe, North Africa and Turkey.
Wikipedia contributors, "Thymus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Thymus (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Thymus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Alpine Rockery, Herbs - Culinary, 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
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Belgium, Flemish Region, Flanders
- Fragrance
- Mild, aromatic
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Rooted basal stem cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift'?
Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' need?
Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' grow?
Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' 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 'Snowdrift' hardy in the UK?
Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Thymus serpyllum 'Snowdrift'?
Seed, Division, Rooted basal stem cuttings in spring.
