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Herbs - CulinaryShrubs

Thymus serpyllum var. albus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

white-flowered creeping thyme

A highly attractive, mat-forming, evergreen sub-shrub with small, aromatic, dark green leaves and clusters of white flowers in summer. Perfect for ground cover and areas of paving where light foot traffic will release its scent

Synonyms
Thymus serpyllum 'Albus'
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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 White Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
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

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed, division and semi-hardwood or softwood 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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