Woolly Thyme
Thymus pseudolanuginosus, commonly known as Woolly Thyme, is a charming ground cover prized for its dense mat of fuzzy, silvery-gray foliage. Unlike its culinary cousin, Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme), this low-growing species is more ornamental than edible, though equally valuable in the landscape.
Each tiny leaf is covered with fine, soft hairs, giving the plant its signature woolly texture. This makes Woolly Thyme a perfect addition to sensory gardens, rock gardens, and pathways where it can be touched and appreciated up close. The foliage forms a dense, evergreen carpet in mild climates, offering year-round interest and erosion control on slopes or between stepping stones.
In summer, Woolly Thyme produces a light scattering of tiny pink to lavender flowers nestled in the leaf axils. While it’s not as floriferous as Thymus serpyllum or lemony Thymus citriodorus, its subtle blooms still attract essential pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding biodiversity to your garden.
This drought-tolerant and deer-resistant perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or gravelly soils. It requires little maintenance and resists foot traffic, making it ideal for low-water lawns or between pavers. Although it lacks the culinary value of Common or Lemon Thyme, Woolly Thyme’s visual and textural appeal more than makes up for it.
Whether you’re softening hard edges or filling tough spots with beauty, Woolly Thyme brings charm, resilience, and low-maintenance elegance to sunny landscapes.
