Mother of Thyme

Thymus praecox

Characteristics

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun, Mother of Thyme tolerates drought and poor soils of somewhat low fertility. Loose, sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage are best. Dislikes moist to wet soils where it tends to rot. Cut back stems as necessary to maintain plant appearance. Mother of Thyme plants are evergreen in mild winters.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Thymus praecox is a creeping, woody-based perennial which is primarily used as a small ground cover, but also has limited culinary value. Numerous somewhat woody stems form a flat mat (2-6″ tall) with tiny, rounded, fuzzy, blue-green leaves. Leaves are aromatic, but strength of scent varies according to habitat and season. Clusters of tiny, tubular, whitish to rose-purple flowers appear in summer. Flowers are attractive to bees. Plants are evergreen in mild winters.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problem. Susceptible to root rot, particularly in moist, poorly-drained soils.

Garden Uses

Good as a ground cover for small areas, path edging or as a filler between steppingstones, or as a plant that will sprawl over small rocks or ledges in the rock garden or on dry slopes. Use in herb beds or to naturalize.