Common Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

perennial☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 5a – Zone 9b

A compact woody perennial herb prized for its aromatic leaves used in cooking and medicine. It produces small purple, pink, or white flowers and thrives in dry conditions with minimal care.

Overview

Form: Mounding
Growth Rate: moderate
Size: 0.75–1.5′ tall × 1–2′ wide
Dormancy: evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 5aZone 9b

1471013

ColderWarmer

Seasonality

Bloom Season

Harvest Season

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFallWinter

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Mediterranean

Function & Care

ediblemedicinalpollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Edible Parts

leafflower

Establishment & Care

Establishment: easy
Maintenance: low
Years to Bearing: 1 years
Propagation: seed, cutting, division, layering

Companion Planting

Plants well with

tomato

Solanum lycopersicum

Thyme's thymol content repels spider mites, whiteflies, and other small arthropod pests of tomatoes.

Notable Cultivars

'English' (German) thyme is the most common culinary form with broad green leaves, while 'Lemon' thyme offers citrus notes and 'Variegated' varieties provide ornamental appeal.