Overview
Thymus vulgaris is a bushy shrubs in the genus Thymus, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Thymus vulgaris grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants, rock garden, wildlife gardens, low maintenance and ground cover.
About
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as common thyme or garden thyme, is a bushy, evergreen shrub belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres over 5 to 10 years. This culinary herb thrives in full sun with well-drained alkaline or neutral soils such as chalk, loam, or sand. It is suitable for south, west, or east-facing aspects and can tolerate both exposed and sheltered conditions. Thymus vulgaris is of interest throughout spring, summer, and winter.
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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.
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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, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Thymus vulgaris size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Herbs - Culinary
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Thymus vulgaris
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Thymus vulgaris?
Thymus vulgaris prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Thymus vulgaris need?
Thymus vulgaris 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 big does Thymus vulgaris grow?
Thymus vulgaris reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Thymus vulgaris hardy in the UK?
Thymus vulgaris 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 vulgaris?
Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Thymus genus
Browse all Thymus →
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