Thymus camphoratus

RHS Plant Profile
camphor thyme
camphor thyme visionspictures.com
Plants for pollinators
Shrubs Herbs - Culinary

A mound-forming, bushy, evergreen shrub native to Southern Portugal with aromatic, camphor scented, ovate, dark green leaves and clusters of small, pale mauve flowers in late spring and early summer. Excellent for container growing

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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
Portugal

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. Best grown in a container in colder climates so it can be moved into a frost free glasshouse to overwinter. See thyme cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain compactness

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free