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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

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) — this perennial can endure winter temperatures down to -20°F
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — lavender flowers in the garden; thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established, image 67
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — bushy mat up to 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall; common Thyme lends itself well to water-efficient landscapes and, image 72
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — In mid to late spring, it produces small, lavender to pink flowers, attracting pollinators; is a versatile and aromatic
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established; target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches, image 98
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — bushy mat up to 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall; common Thyme lends itself well to water-efficient landscapes and is suitable
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9; these flowers stand atop woody stems, providing subtle color and a pleasant, image 65
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — In mid to late spring, it produces small, lavender to pink flowers, attracting pollinators; is a versatile and, image 97
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Perfect for culinary and ornamental use
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ground cover / herb / perennial for full or half; this perennial can endure winter temperatures down to -20°F, image 69
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Perfect for culinary and ornamental use; ground cover / herb / perennial for full or half, image 99
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — is a versatile and aromatic evergreen herb that originates from the Mediterranean region; enhancing the ecological value of
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — is a versatile and aromatic evergreen herb that originates from the Mediterranean region
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — In mid to late spring, it produces small, lavender to pink flowers, attracting pollinators
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — enhancing the ecological value of your garden
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — which are attractive to bees and butterflies
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — with a spread of approximately 16 inches, image 58
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — which are attractive to bees and butterflies; hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, image 82
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Perfect for culinary and ornamental use; ground cover / herb / perennial for full or half, image 76
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Common Thyme lends itself well to water-efficient landscapes and is suitable for xeriscaping designs, image 64
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — These flowers stand atop woody stems, providing subtle color and a pleasant contrast to the foliage; often incorporated into
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Being drought-tolerant once established; commonly known as Common Thyme, image 63
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Perfect for culinary and ornamental use; ground cover / herb / perennial for full or half, image 53
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established; target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches, image 52
Photographs by 10 contributors

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