Thymus pseudolanuginosus

©2005

WOOLLY THYME
Family: Lamiaceae
Pronounced: TY-mus soo-doe-lan-oo-han-OH-sus

GROWING GUIDE

Woolly thyme softens the look of pavers. ©1999

Geographic Origin: Europe
Plant Group: Herbs.
Hardiness: Sunset zones: All. USDA zones: 6-9. Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size: Height: 3 inches (8 cm). Width: 3 feet (91 cm).
Flowering period: Summer.
Flowering attributes: Tiny purple flowers.
Leaf attributes: Hairy, gray-green leaves.
Growth habit: Spreading.
Light: Full sun.
Soil: Well-drained, neutral soil.
Propagation Methods: Divide in spring.
Pests and Diseases: Woolly thyme is susceptible to root rot, in wet, poorly drained soils.

Rainy Side Notes

Woolly thyme is one of my favorite, low-growing ground covers. I especially like how it drapes down my rock walls like a cascading waterfall.

©2005

For “plantaholics” like myself with a hodge-podge of many different plants in the garden, the thyme creeps around and helps unify the scene. This ground-hugging herb is good for planting in crevices, draping down walls and growing between pavers.

As with most species of Thymus, it is drought tolerant and quickly acclimates to our rainless Northwest summers. Keeping woolly thyme disease free is easy when you grow it in well-drained soil. Poorly drained soil can result in thyme perishing from root rot.

Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.

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