Thymus vulgaris

Common thyme is a woody, broadleaf evergreen perennial in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to Southwestern Europe and southeastern Italy. There are many cultivars. The origin of the word "thyme" is from the Greek word, thumos, which means "courage." During Medieval times, thyme was thought to have been an emblem of bravery. The word thyme may also be derived from the Greek word, thymos, meaning "perfume." The species name, vulgaris, is Latin and means "common" or "widespread." 

It performs best in dry, sandy, or rocky soils, prefers full sun, requires good drainage, and a neutral to alkaline pH. It is frost and drought-tolerant. Common thyme is a low-maintenance plant, but it should be trimmed whenever it gets leggy. Cut it back in early spring and summer to reduce its woody growth. Transplanting or dividing is best done in the early spring. The best methods of propagation are stem cuttings, layering, or division. Due to uneven germination, it is difficult to propagate common thyme from seeds. 

Grown primarily as an aromatic culinary herb, common thyme forms a mound about 6 to 12 inches high and 6 to 16 inches wide. Harvest it just before it flowers when the essential oil content of the leaves is at its peak. It is recommended to cut five to six inches off the top growth and leave the woody stems. For the plant to thrive, always leave five inches of growth. The leaves are very fragrant which makes the plant less attractive to browsing deer. See this publication for information on harvesting and preserving herbs.

In addition to an edible or herb garden, common thyme makes a great addition to a pollinator garden. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. Use in children’s, cottage, cutting, rock, or winter gardens. Plant it in small groups or as a border in a naturalized area, a recreational play area, or along a walkway, Common thyme does well in a container indoors or outside. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Linear leaves are ¼ inch to ½ inch long, have fine hairs, and are very fragrant

• Small purple/white pedicellate flowers that occur along a raceme

• Bushy subshrub with a woody base, growing up to 1 foot tall

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.