My garden, alive in my pocket.
Track my garden
🌿

Breckland thyme

Thymus pulegioides · Lamiaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant breckland thyme: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, light green, finely serrated
Flowering
June to September, mauve pink or purple
Adult size
20–30 cm tall, spreading and mat-forming habit
Growth
Fast, bushy
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to –20 °C)
Origin
Europe, Mediterranean and temperate regions
Soil type
Well-drained, dry to moderately moist, undemanding

Care

Sunlight

Common thyme needs full sun exposure, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Place it in a well-exposed position for optimal development and better flowering density.

Watering

Water moderately and let the soil dry between waterings. Once established, thyme is very drought-tolerant and needs little water. Avoid excess moisture, which promotes root rot.

Soil and Planting

Choose well-drained, poor to average soil, preferably dry. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if your soil is heavy. Thyme adapts to lean, infertile soils, making it an excellent groundcover for difficult areas.

Pruning and Cutting

Prune lightly in late winter (February–March) to maintain compactness and stimulate branching. You can also pinch young plants in spring. Cut back after flowering to improve appearance and encourage dense growth.

Fertilizing

Thyme doesn't require regular feeding. A light application in spring is plenty, and may even slow growth on already rich soils. Prefer poor soil to keep a compact habit and good density.

Diseases and Pests

Common thyme is very robust. Main problems occur in excess moisture (root rot or powdery mildew). Ensure good drainage and air circulation. On an established plant in dry soil, diseases and pests remain rare.

Did you know?

Common thyme was once called "wild thyme" and was one of the herbs of ancient Greece. The Greeks associated it with courage and well-being. Its name "Thymus" comes from the Greek "thymon," meaning "strength" or "courage," as it was burned as incense in sacred temples.

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

Browse all plants →

Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.