Plants in genus thymus
Thymus vulgaris
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a bushy, woody-based evergreen subshrub native to southern Europe. It has highly aromatic, grey-green leaves and clusters of purple or pink flowers in early summer. This drought-tolerant plant is a main source of thyme for cooking and herbal medicine.
Thymus praecox ssp. britannicus
Thymus praecox ssp. britannicus, also known as creeping thyme, is a low-growing plant with hairy leaves and stems, often used as groundcover. Its grey, woolly foliage makes it suitable for rock gardens and well-drained soils. This ornamental plant is adaptable to cold climates and is valued for its ability to attract butterflies.
Thymus camphoratus
Thymus camphoratus is a flowering plant in the mint family, endemic to southwest Portugal. This erect subshrub grows 6-12 inches tall and features ovate-triangular leaves with pink or purple flowers. It thrives in heathlands and xerophilic scrub on stabilized dunes, making it a fragrant and attractive groundcover.
Thymus serpyllum
Thymus serpyllum, or creeping thyme, is an aromatic groundcover with rosy red flowers. It is drought and deer resistant, cold-hardy, and tolerates foot traffic. This plant is ideal for full sun and well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for fire-wise landscapes.
Thymus 'Hi Ho Silver'
Thymus 'Hi Ho Silver' is an evergreen herb with attractive variegated leaves in silvery cool tones. It produces pink summer blooms and grows well in containers. This versatile herb thrives in full sun and spreads if branches touch the soil.
Thymus argaeus 'Wild Turkey'
Thymus argaeus 'Wild Turkey' is a low-growing evergreen mat native to Turkey, reaching just 1 inch in height but spreading up to 8 feet wide. It features tiny lavender flowers in early June and is valued for its use in wild tea and as a culinary spice, with oils that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Thymus vulgaris 'Goodthyme'
Thymus vulgaris 'Goodthyme' is a Mediterranean ornamental perennial with tiny sage-gray-green leaves and pinkish-lavender blossoms. It forms upright mounds and thrives in poor, rocky soil conditions, making it a hardy choice for full sun gardens.
Thymus serpyllum 'Aureus'
Thymus serpyllum 'Aureus' is a low-maintenance herb known for its bright yellow foliage and lemony aroma. It produces purple flowers and serves as an excellent ground cover. This plant attracts butterflies and thrives in sunny, low-moisture conditions.
Thymus 'Highland Cream'
Thymus 'Highland Cream' is an evergreen herb with medium green foliage and variegated yellow margins. It blooms with soft pink clusters in summer and has a citrusy-lemon scent. This low-growing ground cover is drought tolerant once established and is deer and rabbit resistant, thriving in full sun and partial shade.
Thymus quinquecostatus
Thymus quinquecostatus is a low-growing, evergreen mat-forming plant native to the high mountains of Asia. It thrives in summer heat and humidity, producing lavender pink flowers from June until frost. This thyme is ideal as a groundcover in sunny, well-drained areas, spreading up to 8 feet wide.
Thymus citriodorus
This Mediterranean herb is used for medical purposes and was previously thought to be a garden hybrid. DNA investigation has confirmed it as a separate species.