thyme
Thymus praecox
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 inches tall3 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Horizontal
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Pale pink
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Thyme (Thymus praecox) is a perennial for rock gardens, ground cover, containers, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It forms a low, creeping mat of gray-green evergreen leaves with pale pink flowers that bees and butterflies visit. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. Give it room to spread.
Pairs well with Munstead lavender, Anise hyssop, and Blue grama.
Native range
Europe.