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Thymus serpyllum L.
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

wild thyme

T. serpyllum is a dwarf, aromatic, evergreen shrub forming a low, wide mat to 5cm in height. It has tiny, pointed, dark green leaves and tight clusters of purple flowers in summer

Other common names
Breckland thyme
creeping thyme
see moremother of thyme

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

South–facing or West–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

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in most well-drained alkaline to neutral soils in full sun. Suitable for a rock garden or paving crevices, where they release their fragrance when trodden on. Attractive to bees

Propagation

Propagate by seed or 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
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Cut back hard after flowering to retain compactness

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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