Woolly Thyme
Thymus pseudolanuginosus

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Pink, Purple. Main Bloom Time: Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.

Thymus pseudolanuginosus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Not known in a wild situation

The original habitat of this plant is obscure.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The leaves have a thyme scent and are used as a flavouring in food.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use.

Other

Rating: 2

An essential oil is obtained from the leaves. Perennial groundcover for zone 2 firebreaks. The US government has created a system of firebreaks for areas prone to wildfires, theses are separated into concentric zones surrounding buildings. Zone 2 is the second away from the house. These low-level groundcovers provide little fuel.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Alpine garden, Border, Ground cover, Rock garden, Specimen. Prefers a light, well-drained calcareous soil and a sunny position. Plants tolerate occasional walking on and can be grown in cracks in paths, they also succeed on walls. Thymes dislike wet conditions, especially in the winter. A layer of gravel on the soil around them will help protect the foliage from wet soils. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. The flowers are rich in nectar and are very attractive to honey bees. This is a very difficult genus taxonomically, the species hybridize freely with each other and often intergrade into each other. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Edible, Fragrant foliage, Not North American native. Heat Zone: 9-1.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Seed can also be sown in autumn in a greenhouse. Surface sow or barely cover the seed. Germination can be erratic. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of young shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, May/June in a frame. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Layering.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 3-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. lanuginosus. non Mill. T. serpyllum lanuginosus.