Thymus Species, English Thyme, Common Garden Thyme, Winter Thyme

Thymusvulgaris

Family
Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Thymus (TY-muss)
Species
vulgaris (vul-GAIR-iss)
Synonym
Origanum thymus
Thymus chinensis
Thymus ilerdensis
Thymus sublaxus
Thymus webbianus
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Evergreen
Shiny/Glossy
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Rose/Mauve
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Auburn, Alabama

Tuskegee, Alabama

Phoenix, Arizona

Surprise, Arizona

Lawndale, California

Long Beach, California

Los Angeles, California

Merced, California

San Diego, California

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ridgefield, Connecticut

Bartow, Florida

Kissimmee, Florida

Longwood, Florida

Melbourne, Florida

Riverview, Florida

Albany, Georgia

Kurtistown, Hawaii

Benton, Kentucky

Franklin, Louisiana

Cumberland, Maryland

Linthicum Heights, Maryland

Valley Lee, Maryland

Mashpee, Massachusetts

Bayville, New Jersey

Elephant Butte, New Mexico

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

West Islip, New York

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Bucyrus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio

Mount Orab, Ohio

Hulbert, Oklahoma

Cranberry Twp, Pennsylvania

Kintnersville, Pennsylvania

Milford, Pennsylvania

Schwenksville, Pennsylvania

Walnutport, Pennsylvania

West Warwick, Rhode Island

Soddy Daisy, Tennessee

Austin, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Hereford, Texas

Mc Kinney, Texas

San Antonio, Texas(2 reports)

American Fork, Utah

South Jordan, Utah

Norfolk, Virginia

Colville, Washington

Vancouver, Washington

Great Cacapon, West Virginia

Birchwood, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

show all

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

6
positives
0
neutral
1
negative
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P
Miami, FL | May 2012 | negative

I have tried repeatedly to grow this herb in south Miami, but no luck so far. Is there anybody out there who has grown this herb successf...Read More

D
(Daniel) Mount Orab, OH (Zone 6b) | January 2009 | positive

This plant is stunning in any Herb Garden! I have the pink one which complements the lilac flowers of my Garden Sage in the Late Spring/...Read More

M
M
Benton, KY (Zone 7a) | April 2008 | positive

Hardy and quite vigorous here in west KY. Thrives with minimal care and loves regular pruning.

Pretty much kill-proof as l...Read More

W
W
Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a) | April 2006 | positive

I first discovered the wonders of this Thyme during
a visit to see my sister-in-law.

What began for her as a small ...Read More

P
Deal, NJ (Zone 7a) | June 2005 | positive

I think common thyme is a highly underrated plant (for the garden) we all know its uses (cooking) but besides doubling as a useful "kit...Read More

D
D
Albuquerque, NM | March 2004 | positive

I like to use this plant as a fill-in between pavers along a walkway, planted 2 plants side-by-side. When brushed against, the plant rele...Read More

L
Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) | August 2002 | positive

Fragrant and delicious. Extremely easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil.

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