Thymus spp. (TIME-us)
Perennial Sun Height 1-18 Feet groundcover Spacing 6-12 Feet
HABIT: Low-growing and spreading herb with flowers of white, pink, or lavender. Three groups: upright subshrubs 12-18 Feet, creeping herbs 3-6 feet and flat creepers 1-2 feet all. The larger plants are the culinary forms.
CULTURE: Needs well-drained, well-prepared beds. Protection from the strong afternoon sun is ideal. Moderate fertilizer and water needs.
USES: Groundcover, perennial gardens, containers and baskets, fragrance.
PROBLEMS: Extreme weather fluctuations.
NOTES: The creeping thymes cross-pollinate freely, causing a mix of flower color, but that is nice. Coconut, lemon, caraway, and mother of thyme are good choices.