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Herbs - CulinaryShrubs

Thymus pulegioides
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

large thyme

T. pulegioides is a small, spreading, evergreen subshrub, to 25cm tall, with strongly-aromatic, small green leaves and, in early summer, erect spikes of tiny lilac-pink flowers

Other common names
broad-leaved thyme
greater wild thyme
see moredowny thyme
Synonyms
Thymus serpyllum subsp. lanuginosus
Thymus lanuginosus Mill.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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
Europe to NW China

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer although some bottom heat may be required

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 10

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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