In the landscape
Border · Container · Houseplant · Naturalized · Walkway · Butterfly · Childrens · Cottage
Data sources
Common Thyme
Thymus vulgaris · Perennial
Common Thyme is a moderate-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 5-9, that matures to about 6–12 in × 6–12 in. It does best in full sun with low water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-dry soil. Expect pink, purple and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts bees, butterflies and pollinators, stands up well to deer, drought and pests and grows happily in containers.
- USDA zones
- 5-9
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Mature size
- 6–12 in × 6–12 in
- Growth rate
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-dry
- Bloom color
- Pink, Purple, White
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators
- Tough against
- Deer, Drought, Pests, Pollution, Poor soil, Rabbits
- Native to
- Southern Europe
Will it survive your winters?
We score Common Thyme’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.
Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.
More plants for your zone: Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8 · Zone 9
See the Common Thyme in your own yard
Upload a photo and our AI designs with real plants like this one — matched to your USDA zone.
