Thymus polytrichus A. Kern. ex Borbás subsp. britannicus (Ronniger) Kerguélen
wild thyme
A creeping, mat-forming subshrub, 5-10cm tall, with small dark green leaves, up to 8mm long and 4mm wide, usually fringed with minute hairs. The pale to deep purple flowers are produced in summer
Other common names
coconut thymewoolly thyme
Synonyms
Thymus polytrichus subsp. britannicus 'Coconut'Thymus woolly
see moreThymus pseudolanuginosus
Thymus praecox subsp. arcticus
Thymus drucei
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Thymus are evergreen woody-based perennials, shrub or sub-shrubs with small aromatic leaves and terminal whorls of small, 2-lipped, tubular, purple, pink or white flowers in late spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- British Isles
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well drained, alkaline to neutral soil in full sun. Won't tolerate wet or waterlogged conditions. Will tolerate drought and poor soils. See thyme cultivation for more information
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division or plant rooted basal stem cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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