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Herbs - CulinaryShrubs

Thymus serpyllum 'Goldstream' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

creeping thyme 'Goldstream'

A spreading, mat-forming subshrub with aromatic, evergreen, yellow and green variegated foliage and whorls of mauve flowers in summer

Synonyms
Thymus coccinea 'Goldstream'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Variegated Green Yellow
Summer Purple Variegated Green Yellow
Autumn Variegated Green Yellow
Winter Variegated Green Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

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

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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Rock garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back hard after flowering to retain compactness

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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