Species thyme
pink-brown flowers with lime-green leaves

thyme

Thymus praecox 'Minus'

Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Minus') is a low-growing, evergreen perennial herb. It features evergreen, preferably gray-green leaves and small, two-lipped purple flowers in early summer. This delicate and aromatic plant is highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It requires good drainage, is drought tolerant, and can even handle salt spray. Growing in zones 5-9, Thyme is an easy-going and care-free addition to any garden, great for ground-cover in hard to reach areas and rock gardens. A perfect addition to any herb garden, it's great for adding flavor to dishes. This hardy shrub is low maintenance and will keep coming back in all its fragrant glory year after year.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Lilac pink Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Thyme should be watered deeply and only when the top few inches of soil have become dry. Watering should be done every 3-4 days in the summer when temperatures are hot and every 5-7 days in the winter when temperatures are cooler. To ensure the plant does not get over-watered, be sure to check the soil before watering.

sunlight

Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Minus') grows best in full sun where it has access to 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. This type of thyme does not like to be in too much shade, as this can cause it to become sparse and slow to flower. Feathery, silver-green foliage will appear when given the right amount of heat and light.

pruning

Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Minus') should be trimmed back twice a year, once in late winter or early spring, as well as after flowering, usually in late summer or early fall. Prune the plant just above a bud or leaf node to encourage new growth and bushiness. Remove any dead or diseased wood, cut off any excess upright stems, and cut back some of the sideshoots each time you prune to keep it neat and encourage more growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears and prune back no more than 1-third of the plant each time.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Thymus praecox 'Minus' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Thymus praecox 'Minus' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map