Portuguese thyme
Portuguese thyme is a perennial herb highly valued for its aromatic, compact, and fragrant foliage, with a warm, herbaceous, and slightly spicy flavor. It is easily used in cooking to enhance grilled meats, poultry, fish, roasted vegetables, potatoes, sauces, soups, marinades, broths, and stews. Its low and dense habit also makes it an excellent plant for herb gardens, rockeries, edible borders, and sunny containers near the kitchen.
Easy to grow, Portuguese 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. Both in pots and in the ground, regular harvesting of young stems helps maintain a compact, branched, and productive plant, while stimulating the production of new fragrant foliage.
Both aromatic, decorative, and beneficial for pollinators, Portuguese thyme produces delicate flowers that attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden. It pairs very well with rosemary, sage, oregano, lavender, santolina, and other full-sun plants. It is an excellent herb for gardeners looking for a robust, flavorful, drought-resistant plant ideal for creating a gourmet garden with a Mediterranean style.
Care guide
Choosing this plant
Light, soil, water and hardiness
Blooming, foliage and shape
Size and growth
Companion planting, spacing and harvest
Pets
Butterflies
Repellent
Deer
The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.
