thyme
Thymus vulgaris
USDA zones5 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall6 to 16 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Spreading
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Pink, purple, white
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb for rock gardens, containers, borders, and food gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It stays evergreen with fragrant gray and green leaves, and pink, purple, or white flowers draw bees and butterflies in spring and summer. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. It spreads at a moderate pace, so give it a little room.
Pairs well with Creeping phlox, Little bluestem, and Ornamental onion.
Native range
Southwestern Europe and Southeastern Italy.