At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitMounding
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height6–12 inches (15–30 cm)
Width12–18 inches (30–45 cm)
Maturity2 years
Overview
Thymus vulgaris is a low-growing, woody-based perennial herb native to the western Mediterranean. Plants reach 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall and 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide; growth rate is slow to moderate. The habit is spreading to mounding, with slender, upright to semi-prostrate stems that become woody at the base with age. Leaves are very small, 0.1–0.3 inch (3–8 mm) long, oval to linear, dark gray-green to olive-green, with rolled margins and a dense covering of fine hairs; the glands produce a pungent, warm, aromatic scent when leaves are crushed. Flowers appear in May–July in small clusters at stem tips: tubular, two-lipped, lavender-pink to pale purple, 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) long, densely produced on short spikes. Flavor and oil content are highest just before peak bloom. Plants are partially evergreen in Pacific Northwest winters — stems may die back in severe cold but regenerate from the base. Performance depends strongly on drainage; plants decline rapidly in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Native Range
Thymus vulgaris is native to the western Mediterranean — primarily southern France, Spain, and Italy — in rocky, dry scrubland, garrigue, and open hillsides at low to moderate elevations. It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb gardens, rock gardens, raised beds, and container plantings for culinary harvest. The small scale and spreading habit suit edges, cracks in paving, and low border plantings. A 6–8-inch (15–20 cm) container is sufficient for patio use. Lavender-pink flowers attract bees throughout the summer bloom period.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Lavender-pink to pale-purple tubular flowers, 0.1–0.2 inch (3–5 mm) long, appear in dense clusters at stem tips from May through July. Individual flowers are two-lipped and heavily visited by bees. The bloom period lasts 4–6 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
lavender-pink to pale purpleFoliage Description
dark gray-green to olive-green, very small, strongly aromaticGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry, lean soil; sharp drainage is essential — plants decline rapidly in waterlogged, high-fertility, or heavily amended soils. Water weekly until established; once established, drought-tolerant. Avoid overhead irrigation in humid conditions, which encourages fungal rot at the base. Cut back by one-third to one-half in early spring to remove winter damage and stimulate fresh growth. Harvest stems frequently — regular harvesting maintains vegetative growth. Divide every 2–3 years to renew vigor as plants become woody and open at the center.Pruning
Cut back by one-third in early spring before new growth to remove winter-killed tips. Shear lightly after flowering in summer. Do not cut into old woody stems without green growth — plants may not regenerate from bare wood. Replace plants every 3–4 years as they become excessively woody.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springsummer
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons