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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) — bushy mat up to 12 inches wide and 6 inches tall
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris; perfect for culinary and ornamental use, image 100
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — which are attractive to bees and butterflies; hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Being drought-tolerant once established; commonly known as Common Thyme, image 86
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — Common Thyme lends itself well to water-efficient landscapes and is suitable for xeriscaping designs; scientifically known as
Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) — scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris; perfect for culinary and ornamental use, image 54
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Thymus Vulgaris
Photographs by 4 contributors

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