Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Thyme
Uses:
- Groundcover
- Herb, Sensory, & Kitchen Gardens
- Containers & Raised Beds
Features:
- Attracts Butterflies & Bees
- Aromatic, Evergreen Leaves
- Edible Purple or White Flowers
- Tolerates Drought and Alkaline Soil
Sunlight:
- Full Sun
- At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 5-10
- What is My Zone?
Thyme is a small perennial herb from the Mediterranean region. Its wiry stems can be upright or creeping, depending on the variety. The leaves are grayish-green and popular to use in cooking, homeopathic remedies, and aromatherapy. This herb blooms from June to October and the white or lavender flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees and butterflies. Plant thyme with other Mediterranean herbs for a low-maintenance border, or use the creeping varieties as a groundcover to fill in gaps in a stone path. It also grows well in containers, which can be placed near a back door for convenient harvesting.
About Thyme
Genus
Thymus
Species
300+
Family
Lamiaceae
Common Names:
English thyme
Native To:
Greenland, Temperate and Subtropical Eurasia, NE Tropical Africa
Plant Type:
Edible Plants
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flower Color:
Pink, Purple/Lavender, White
Flower Bloom Time:
Summer
Growth Habit:
Creeping, Dense, Erect, Mounding, Prostrate
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, Dry Soil, Foot Traffic, Pollution, Poor Soil
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
Where To Plant Thyme In The Garden
Thyme is a low-growing, semi-woody perennial with small elliptical leaves that release a rich, peppery aroma when touched. This culinary herb has been prized for centuries for its herbal flavor and forgiving nature under varying climates. It often stays evergreen in milder regions, yielding fresh leaves year-round. Its delicate, lilac to pink flowers in spring attract beneficial insects and provide swaths of color.
Within a garden’s design, thyme brings neat mounds of foliage that can nestle between stepping stones, edge paths, or soften the base of rock walls. Groundcover varieties suppress weeds and stabilize soil with a dense mat of foliage. Upright varieties work well in herb beds and raised planters, where the splayed stems unify neighboring plants. Use ornamental types to anchor a sunny border with other Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and oregano.
Thyme Care
Plant thyme plants in spring, setting them into a spot with well-draining soil and at least six hours of bright light. Incorporate a little grit or coarse material into heavier soil to prevent soggy roots. Water the new plants thoroughly, then reduce frequency once they are established, as they prefer fairly dry conditions and minimal fertilizer. With consistent warmth and moderate humidity, thyme grows into a compact mass, retaining its leaf color and fragrance.
After thyme matures, cut back any woody growth in spring to encourage new shoots, removing damaged or weak stems. Harvest leaves by snipping small bunches just above a leaf junction, collecting them whenever fresh sprigs are needed. For longer storage, air-dry or place snipped stems in the freezer, ensuring flavor remains strong. In cooler climates, a thin mulch layer or mild shelter helps thyme survive freezing spells, while plants often remain evergreen in temperate zones.
Learn More About Thyme
Growing Thyme in Pots
Thyme is at home in containers, provided the pot has ample drainage holes and a fast-draining mix. Terracotta or clay containers suit thyme’s preference for drier conditions, and placing small stones on the soil surface can minimize moisture fluctuation. Position the pot in a spot receiving abundant sun, watering sparingly so roots stay healthy. Occasionally trim the plant to encourage branching and keep it from growing leggy, ensuring a steady supply of fragrant leaves.
