Thyme

Zones 5-10

Full Sun

Attracts Pollinators

Aromatic Leaves

Why We Love Thyme

Thyme is an easy, fragrant herb that adds fresh flavor to your cooking, attracts pollinators, and thrives in sunny spots with very little care.

About Thyme

Genus

Thymus

Species

300+

Family

Lamiaceae

Common Names:

English Thyme, Common Thyme, Garden Thyme

Native To:

Greenland, Temperate and Subtropical Eurasia, NE Tropical Africa

Plant Type:

Edible Plants

Foliage Type:

Herbaceous

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flower Color:

Pink, Purple/Lavender, White

Flower Bloom Time:

Summer

Growth Habit:

Creeping, Dense, Erect, Mounding, Prostrate

Attracts:

Bees, Butterflies

Tolerates:

Drought, Dry Soil, Foot Traffic, Pollution, Poor Soil

Resists:

Deer, Rabbits

Where To Plant Thyme In The Garden

Thyme is a low-growing, semi-woody perennial with small elliptical leaves that release a rich, peppery aroma when touched. This culinary herb has been prized for centuries for its herbal flavor and forgiving nature under varying climates. It often stays evergreen in milder regions, yielding fresh leaves year-round. Its delicate, lilac to pink flowers in spring attract beneficial insects and provide swaths of color.

Within a garden’s design, thyme brings neat mounds of foliage that can nestle between stepping stones, edge paths, or soften the base of rock walls. Groundcover varieties suppress weeds and stabilize soil with a dense mat of foliage. Upright varieties work well in herb beds and raised planters, where the splayed stems unify neighboring plants. Use ornamental types to anchor a sunny border with other Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and oregano.

Types of Thyme

Type	Scientific Name	Flowers	Bloom Time	Habit	Uses	Features
Creeping Thyme	Thymus praecox	Tiny tubular pink-purple clusters	Jun – Sep	Low, mat-forming creeper	Lawn substitute, filler between pavers, rock & sensory gardens, containers	Fragrant evergreen foliage, tolerates foot traffic, drought, deer & rabbits; attracts bees & butterflies
Woolly Thyme	Thymus pseudolanuginosus	Sparse pale-pink tubes	Jun – Jul	Very low, fuzzy carpet	Groundcover between stones, rock walls, xeric beds	Silvery “woolly” leaves, drought & deer tolerant, handles light trampling; rarely used in cooking
Common/Garden Thyme	Thymus vulgaris	Whorls of pale-purple tubes	May – Jul	Small woody subshrub	Classic culinary herb, borders, pots, rock & pollinator gardens	Strongly aromatic leaves, evergreen in mild winters, drought & deer resistant; pollinator magnet
Lemon Thyme	Thymus citriodorus	Pale-lilac terminal clusters	Jul (mid-summer)	Mounding, semi-woody	Lemon-scented culinary herb, low edging, rock & herb gardens, containers	Citrus-fragrant foliage, evergreen in mild areas, drought/deer/rabbit tolerant; attracts bees & butterflies

Thyme Care

Plant thyme plants in spring, setting them into a spot with well-draining soil and at least six hours of bright light. Incorporate a little grit or coarse material into heavier soil to prevent soggy roots. Water the new plants thoroughly, then reduce frequency once they are established, as they prefer fairly dry conditions and minimal fertilizer. With consistent warmth and moderate humidity, thyme grows into a compact mass, retaining its leaf color and fragrance.

After thyme matures, cut back any woody growth in spring to encourage new shoots, removing damaged or weak stems. Harvest leaves by snipping small bunches just above a leaf junction, collecting them whenever fresh sprigs are needed. For longer storage, air-dry or place snipped stems in the freezer, ensuring flavor remains strong. In cooler climates, a thin mulch layer or mild shelter helps thyme survive freezing spells, while plants often remain evergreen in temperate zones.

Learn More About Thyme

Growing Thyme in Pots

Thyme is at home in containers, provided the pot has ample drainage holes and a fast-draining mix. Terracotta or clay containers suit thyme’s preference for drier conditions, and placing small stones on the soil surface can minimize moisture fluctuation. Position the pot in a spot receiving abundant sun, watering sparingly so roots stay healthy. Occasionally trim the plant to encourage branching and keep it from growing leggy, ensuring a steady supply of fragrant leaves.

Thyme Companion Plants

Give thyme partners that appreciate bright light, quick-draining, mineral-lean ground, and minimal watering. Tuck lavender and rosemary beside it—the trio shares Mediterranean roots, so neither herb demands extra feeding and each amplifies the other’s aroma while their flowers keep pollinators circling the bed. Fill in gaps with sedum for a drought-proof carpet that supplies late-season texture, and station a row of tomatoes nearby; thyme’s scent confuses hornworms and flea beetles, boosting crop production.