Thymus hyemalis
Thymus hyemalis · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around thymus hyemalis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Type
- Aromatic herb
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Autumn and winter
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15 °C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
Care
Sun exposure
Thymus hyemalis requires full sun exposure, at least 6 hours per day, for good vitality and optimal density. A south or west-facing location is ideal. In shade, the plant will become leggy and produce less aromatic foliage.
Soil
Choose a well-draining, light and poor soil, even rocky or sandy. This species fears waterlogging and overly rich soils that promote soft growth. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if your soil is compact.
Watering
Water moderately when planting and during dry periods. Once established, Thymus hyemalis is very drought-tolerant and needs little water. Let the soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage branching. You can harvest leaves as you go for culinary or medicinal use. Avoid severe cutting that weakens the plant.
Fertilizing
Minimal fertilizing is needed: a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Excessive fertilizer would make the foliage less aromatic and weaken hardiness.
Diseases and pests
Thymus hyemalis is generally very resistant. Watch for powdery mildew if humidity is excessive and improve air circulation. Pests are rare; whitefly may occasionally appear but rarely causes significant damage.
Did you know?
Winter thyme (Thymus hyemalis) has been appreciated since antiquity for its aromatic properties and its rare winter flowering, which makes it valuable in traditional Mediterranean herbal medicine. Its Latin name 'hyemalis' literally means 'wintry', referring to its late flowering that brightens gardens when most plants are dormant.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- ThymeThymus vulgaris
- LavenderLavandula angustifolia
- BasilOcimum basilicum
- SageSalvia officinalis
- RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
- BugleAjuga reptans
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.