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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) — target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches between each plant to ensure adequate room for growth
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9; these flowers stand atop woody stems, providing subtle color and a pleasant contrast to the
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — is a versatile and aromatic evergreen herb that originates from the Mediterranean region; enhancing the ecological, image 101
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established; target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches between each
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Often incorporated into landscape designs for its culinary uses and ornamental value; lavender flowers in the, image 56
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Often incorporated into landscape designs for its culinary uses and ornamental value; lavender flowers in the, image 102
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Being drought-tolerant once established; commonly known as Common Thyme
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 95
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Being drought-tolerant once established
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris; perfect for culinary and ornamental use, image 77
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 49
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — evergreen herb with aromatic; common Thyme forms a low-growing mat reaching typically around 6 to 12 inches in, image 94
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny; evergreen herb with aromatic
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — lavender flowers in the garden; thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Often incorporated into landscape designs for its culinary uses and ornamental value
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — with a spread of approximately 16 inches, image 81
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — target a spacing of 12 to 18 inches between each plant to ensure adequate room for growth; being drought-tolerant, image 85
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Common Thyme lends itself well to water-efficient landscapes and is suitable for xeriscaping designs, image 87
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — enhancing the ecological value of your garden; bushy mat up to 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall, image 83
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — commonly known as Common Thyme; ideal for edging and filling gaps in sunny
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — lavender flowers in the garden; thyme thrives in zones 5-9, requiring minimal maintenance once established, image 90
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Often incorporated into landscape designs for its culinary uses and ornamental value; lavender flowers in the, image 79
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris
Photographs by 11 contributors

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