Thymus serpyllum L.
wild thyme
A dwarf, aromatic, evergreen shrub forming a low, wide mat to 5cm in height. It has tiny, pointed, dark green leaves and tight clusters of purple flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Purple | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in most well-drained alkaline to neutral soils in full sun. Suitable for a rock garden or paving crevices, where they release their fragrance when trodden on. Attractive to bees
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division, in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back hard after flowering to retain compactness
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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