Thymus vulgaris
common thyme
A bushy, dwarf, evergreen shrub up to 30cm tall and 40cm wide; with small, linear to ovate, aromatic, dark grey-green leaves, and terminal spikes of small, whorled, white or pink flowers in early summer. Thyme is a popular culinary herb, with various cultivars available. The flowers are favoured by bees and other pollinators
Other common names
garden thymepot-herb thyme
Synonyms
Thymus vulgaris 'German Winter'Thymus vulgaris 'Deutsche Auslese'
see moreThymus vulgaris French
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime 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 Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
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
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- W Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Drought-tolerant once established, common thyme is easy to grow in most well-drained, alkaline to neutral soils in full sun. See thyme cultivation for further advice.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division or plant rooted basal stem cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.