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Herbaceous Perennial

Thymus praecox
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A low growing, creeping, evergreen perennial native to Europe forming a dense carpet of mid-dark green, aromatic foliage with clusters of tiny, tubular pink-purple flowers appearing in summer

Synonyms
Thymus polytrichus misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S, W & C Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. See thyme cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division and semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Garden edging
  • Ground cover
Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain compactness

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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