Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.)
Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) is an herb that can grow up to 10cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.).
This plant has several common names including: wild thyme, Breckland thyme, creeping thyme or mother of thyme.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 5-10 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: wild thyme, Breckland thyme, creeping thyme, mother of thyme
Scientific name: Thymus serpyllum L.
Plant type: Herbs, Shrubs
Habit: Mat forming
Height: Up to 10cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden, Wildlife Gardens
Other characteristics: Drought resistant, Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) – Vojtěch Zavadil, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Other types of Thymus to consider:
See all Thymus
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Thymus serpyllum L. likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) – Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
