Fine Herbs

Silver thyme

Silver thyme is a compact aromatic perennial with highly decorative variegated silver foliage, perfect for pots, rockeries, dry borders and Mediterranean cuisine.

Size

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Hardiness Zone 5 and above
Difficulty level Easy

Discover the plant

Silver thyme

Silver thyme is a compact aromatic perennial with highly decorative variegated silver foliage, perfect for pots, rockeries, dry borders and Mediterranean cuisine.
FamilyLamiaceae

Silver thyme is a highly ornamental perennial herb, prized for its small green leaves edged with silvery-white, which brings a lot of brightness to herb gardens, rockeries, edible borders, and patio containers. Its fragrance is reminiscent of classic thyme, with a warm, herbaceous, and slightly peppery flavor, perfect for seasoning grilled meats, poultry, fish, roasted vegetables, potatoes, sauces, soups, marinades, and stews. Its variegated foliage creates a beautiful contrast with dark green herbs, purple foliage, and full-sun plants.

Easy to cultivate, silver thyme prefers a full sun, warm, and well-ventilated location, in light, poor to moderately fertile, and very well-drained soil. It tolerates dry conditions very well once established but does not tolerate excessive water and heavy soils. Whether in pots or in the ground, regular harvesting of young stems helps maintain a compact, dense, and well-branched plant. Its low growth also allows it to be used as a border, in a rockery, or in small spaces where one wishes to add a useful and ornamental herb.

Both aromatic, bright, and easy to care for, silver thyme is ideal for gardeners looking for a flavorful plant with great decorative value. Its delicate flowers attract bees and other pollinators, adding biodiversity to sunny arrangements. It is an excellent choice for creating a gourmet, fragrant, and elegant garden, both in containers and in the ground.

Silver thyme

Soil and care

The rightconditions.

Soil pH Neutral to slightly alkaline
Fertilization Light composting in spring; avoid excessive fertilizing
Care level Easy
Seasonal care
Trim lightly after flowering to maintain a dense shape; avoid waterlogged soils; harvest young shoots as needed

Container growing

A controlledenvironment.

Excellent container culture in a well-drained pot
Silver thyme

Bloom and dimensions

The completeprofile.

Bloom periodSummer
Flower colorPale pink to mauve
Foliage colorGreen variegated with silver and cream
Foliage typeSemi-persistent
Maximum height20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Maximum width30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rateSlow to medium growth
Hardiness zoneZone 5 and above
Minimum temperature-30°C
Silver thyme

Garden associations

What to plantwith it.

Vegetable garden, herbs, decorative border, rock garden, container, Mediterranean cuisine