Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Thyme

Q. I am thinking about planting thyme for a garden area where little will grow. Would it thrive?

A. Here is some information on a couple varieties. They prefer full sun with rather dry conditions.

Thymus pseudolanuginosus also lanuginosus is a very low-growing, frost-hardy thyme, which reaches only 1" in height! It accentuates the contour of the ground below as it spreads to form broad, oval mats of densely hairy, gray-green foliage. It bears terminal spikes of tubular, 2-lipped, pale pink flowers in midsummer and has tiny leaves. Zones 3-9.

Thymus pseudolanuginosus: Woolly Thyme
Family Name: Lamiaceae Plant Group

Hardiness: USDA zones 6-9
Mature size: Height 3 inches (8 cm) | Width 3 feet (91 cm)
Flowering period: Summer
Woolly thyme softens the look of pavers.

Flowering attributes: Tiny purple flowers.
Leaf attributes: Hairy gray-green leaves
Growth habit: Spreading Culture

Light: Full sun
Soil: Well drained neutral soil.
Propagation Methods: Divide in spring.

Additional Comments and Notes:
This ground hugging perennial is good for planting in crevices, draping down
walls and growing between pavers. Smells great to walk on but it won't take
heavy traffic.

Written by Debra Teachout-Teashon

Two pictures at:
http://www.rainyside.com/features/plant_gallery/herbs/Thymus_pseudolanuginosus.html

Also, consider the Thymus serpyllum, the creeping thyme, to 10", has bluish purple flowers and will take moderate foot traffic. Woody and branching, it is great in rock gardens or in places where grass will not grow. Needs very little care or water. Also pink-bronze flowers: 'Annie Hall', 'Pink Ripple' and 'Coccineus Minor'.