The short answer

Quick Answer

Thyme thrives in full sun on chalky soils (pH 6-8), free-draining. Reaches 20 to 30cm tall, 30cm spread. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -15°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: After flowering in July. Light trim

How: Trim back lightly after flowering to keep plants bushy. Do not cut into old woody stems

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Mediterranean

Native or exotic: Exotic. Wild thyme (Thymus polytrichus) is native to the UK

History: Used by ancient Egyptians for embalming and by Greeks as incense

Folklore: In English folklore, thyme was said to be the home of fairies

Fun fact: Thyme was a symbol of courage in medieval Europe. Knights were given thyme sprigs before battle

Historical medicinal uses: Thyme tea is a traditional remedy for coughs and sore throats. Thymol is an antiseptic. Leaves safe for culinary use, avoid thyme oil internally

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bees adore thyme flowers [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 3 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [3][4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High for bees[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 9 out of 10 Pink flowers in June and July. Year-round evergreen leaves[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Plant near rosemary and lavender in a Mediterranean bed

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Root rot in wet soil, rosemary beetle occasionally. See RHS thyme page

Invasive note: Not invasive. Stays compact

CGM care note

Thyme hates wet feet in winter on heavy soil. We always plant it slightly proud of the soil surface and add grit to the planting hole. Every three years we take cuttings and replace the plant, because old woody thyme is never as good.

  • Sage (Salvia officinalis)
  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
  • Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (formerly Rosmarinus officinalis))
  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

CGM guides mentioning Thyme

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Thyme and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Thyme

How Thyme fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Lavender, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Rosemary, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Sage, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Salvia (Perennial Sage), shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Bay, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established
  • Oregano, shares Mediterranean conditions, full sun, free-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Thyme.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Thyme are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Thyme. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Thymus vulgaris. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Lamiaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Dmitruk M, Sulborska A, Konarska A, et al. (2019). Floral biology and insect visiting of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae). Acta Agrobotanica, 72(2), 1767.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Lamiaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: pollinators, pollinator_rank, seasonal_highlight, companion_planting.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 for Thyme. The pollinator description above ("Bees adore thyme flowers") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High for bees") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Pink flowers in June and July. Year-round evergreen leaves".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 3/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bees adore thyme flowers"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Thyme's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High for bees") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Thyme. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Thyme's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Lamiaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Thyme. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Thyme. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Thyme. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Thyme. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Thyme. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Thyme. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Thyme. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Thyme performs well locally

Towns where Thyme is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover