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Common Thyme

Thymus Vulgaris

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Overview

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as Common Thyme, is a versatile, evergreen herb with aromatic, narrow grey-green leaves. It forms a low-growing, bushy mat up to 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall, ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny, well-drained borders. In mid to late spring, it produces small, lavender to pink flowers, attracting pollinators. Thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established. Perfect for culinary and ornamental use.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, MediumZones 5–9Type Ground cover, Herb, Perennial
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — evergreen herb with aromatic; common Thyme forms a low-growing mat reaching typically around 6 to 12 inches in height
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Common Thyme forms a low-growing mat reaching typically around 6 to 12 inches in height; in mid to late spring, it producesCommon Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — this perennial can endure winter temperatures down to -20°F; ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender, image 89Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — These flowers stand atop woody stems, providing subtle color and a pleasant contrast to the foliage; often, image 61Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — lavender flowers in the gardenCommon Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — commonly known as Common Thyme; ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny, image 93Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches between each plant to ensure adequate room for growth; being drought-tolerant once+115

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Mature height
0.5–1 Ft.
Mature width
0.5–1 Ft.

Classification

Type
Ground cover, Herb, Perennial
Family
Lamiaceae

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Photos (122)

Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — evergreen herb with aromatic; common Thyme forms a low-growing mat reaching typically around 6 to 12 inches in height
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Common Thyme forms a low-growing mat reaching typically around 6 to 12 inches in height; in mid to late spring, it produces
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — this perennial can endure winter temperatures down to -20°F; ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender, image 89
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — These flowers stand atop woody stems, providing subtle color and a pleasant contrast to the foliage; often, image 61
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — lavender flowers in the garden
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — commonly known as Common Thyme; ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny, image 93
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches between each plant to ensure adequate room for growth; being drought-tolerant once
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender blooms; which are attractive to bees and butterflies
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender blooms; which are attractive to bees and butterflies, image 68
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Common Thyme forms a low-growing mat reaching typically around 6 to 12 inches in height; in mid to late spring, it, image 80
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — which are attractive to bees and butterflies; hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, image 59
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established; target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches, image 75
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — In mid to late spring, it produces small, lavender to pink flowers, attracting pollinators; is a versatile and, image 74
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny; evergreen herb with aromatic, image 73
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — enhancing the ecological value of your garden; bushy mat up to 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall, image 60
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny; evergreen herb with aromatic, image 96
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — this perennial can endure winter temperatures down to -20°F; ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender, image 66
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — is a versatile and aromatic evergreen herb that originates from the Mediterranean region; enhancing the ecological, image 78
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris; perfect for culinary and ornamental use
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9; these flowers stand atop woody stems, providing subtle color and a pleasant, image 88
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny; evergreen herb with aromatic, image 50
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender blooms
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ground cover / herb / perennial for full or half; this perennial can endure winter temperatures down to -20°F, image 92
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ground cover / herb / perennial with lavender blooms; which are attractive to bees and butterflies, image 91
Photographs by 9 contributors

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