Thymus vulgarisCommon Thyme

Thymus vulgaris, Common Thyme, is a low woody-based Mediterranean sub-shrub of 0.15 to 0.3 metres, carrying tiny aromatic grey-green leaves and small pale pink to lilac flowers in early summer.

It is used as edging, as a filler between pavers where light foot traffic releases the scent, and as a hard-wearing low cover on sharply drained gravel beds.

Specifications

• Height0.15 to 0.3 metres
• Width0.3 to 0.4 metres
• Native toThe western Mediterranean
• FoliageTiny aromatic grey-green leaves densely set on woody stems; evergreen
• Growth rateSlow to moderate

Conditions

• SoilRequires sharply drained poor, gravelly or alkaline soil; rots in heavy wet ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in Mediterranean, temperate and semi-arid regions with dry summers

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall pale pink to lilac flowers in early summer
• UsesIdeal for edging, gravel beds, gaps between pavers, sensory and herb gardens and containers
• SpacingPlant 0.25 to 0.3 metres apart for a closed low mat
• Low MaintenanceTrim after flowering to stop the base going woody and bare
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
• Drought TolerancePerforms on minimal irrigation in free-draining ground
• Wildlife AttractionFlowers are worked heavily by bees
• Cultural SignificanceOne of the oldest culinary and medicinal herbs in continuous cultivation

Common Thyme is a low, aromatic, genuinely drought-proof edging plant for sharply drained ground in sun.