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Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme)

Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Pot-Herb Thyme, English Thyme, Tomillo

Thymus vulgaris, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Pot-Herb Thyme, English Thyme, Tomillo, Garden Herb, Drought tolerant perennial, aromatic perennial, fragrant perennial
Thymus vulgaris, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Pot-Herb Thyme, English Thyme, Tomillo, Garden Herb, Drought tolerant perennial, aromatic perennial, fragrant perennial
Thymus vulgaris, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme, Pot-Herb Thyme, English Thyme, Tomillo, Garden Herb, Drought tolerant perennial, aromatic perennial, fragrant perennial

Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic shrub primarily grown as a culinary herb in herb gardens. It forms a low cushion of branching, woody stems clothed with small, linear to ovate, dark gray-green leaves. The leaves are highly aromatic and are frequently used fresh or dried as a seasoning in a variety of culinary applications, including soups, sauces, vegetables, meat, and fish dishes. Terminal spikes of small, whorled, white, or pink flowers appear at the stem tips in late spring to early summer. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies and bees. Great as a low edging for flower, vegetable, or herb garden. Excellent as a container plant. Evergreen in mild winters.

  • Grows up to 3 in. tall (8 cm) and will spread over time by rooting stems to 12 in. (30 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium to dry, alkaline to neutral, well-drained soils. Thrives in loose, sandy, or rocky soils with excellent drainage. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Excellent choice for beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant
  • Cut back in spring to limit woody growth or to stimulate new growth.
  • Propagate by seed, by division or plant rooted basal stem cuttings in spring
  • Native to Southern Europe.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Herbs, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Thymus
Common names Tomillo, Thyme
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 12"
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thymus Coccineus Group (Red Creeping Thyme)
Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ (Creeping Thyme)
Thymus pulegioides ‘Aureus’ (Golden Large Thyme)
Thymus citriodorus ‘Doone Valley’ (Lemon Thyme)
Thymus ‘Silver Queen’ (Lemon Thyme)
Thymus ‘Silver Posie’ (Common Thyme)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sisyrinchium striatum (Pale Yellow-Eyed Grass)
Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’ (Wintercreeper)
Tulbaghia violacea (Society Garlic)
Lavandula stoechas (Spanish Lavender)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Herbs, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Thymus
Common names Tomillo, Thyme
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 12"
(15cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Thymus (Thyme)
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Thymus (Thyme)
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