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Thymus serpyllum (Thyme)
1 hour care
per year
per year
0.25m
Max height
Max height
0.45m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Thymus serpyllum
Other names
Thyme, Creeping thyme
Genus
Thymus Thymus
Species
T. serpyllum - T. serpyllum is a mat-forming, evergreen subshrub with aromatic, linear, mid-green leaves and clusters of purple flowers in summer.
Thymus serpyllum is: Evergreen
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic (thyme).
Habit
Mat Forming, Spreading
Flower
Purple in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed, Root cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Thymus serpyllum (Thyme) will reach a height of 0.25m and a spread of 0.45m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Between paving stones, City, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Edging, Flavouring food and drinks, Beds and borders, Gravel, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Rock, Wildlife, Foliage only
Cultivation
Grow in moist, free-draining soil in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Thymus serpyllum
Other names
Thyme, Creeping thyme
Genus
Thymus Thymus
Species
T. serpyllum - T. serpyllum is a mat-forming, evergreen subshrub with aromatic, linear, mid-green leaves and clusters of purple flowers in summer.
Foliage
Evergreen
Fragrance
Foliage is aromatic (thyme).
Habit
Mat Forming, Spreading
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Colour
Flower
Purple in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation methods
Division, Seed, Root cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Thymus serpyllum (Thyme) will reach a height of 0.25m and a spread of 0.45m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Between paving stones, City, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Edging, Flavouring food and drinks, Beds and borders, Gravel, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Rock, Wildlife, Foliage only
Cultivation
Grow in moist, free-draining soil in full sun.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
Defra's Risk register #1
Plant name
Thymus serpyllum (Thyme)
Common pest name
tomato thrips
Scientific pest name
Ceratothripoides brunneus
Type
Insect
Current status in UK
Absent
Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)
3
General biosecurity comments
Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.
About this section
Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.
Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here
Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.
Date updated: 7th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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Thymus serpyllum
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