Broad-leaved thyme (Thymus pulegioides 'Foxley') is a low-growing evergreen perennial that hugs the ground while spreading outward to create a fragrant, living carpet. Native to European grassy slopes and forest openings, this hardy subshrub reaches just 6 to 8 inches tall but spreads 12 to 15 inches wide, making it exceptionally useful for ground cover and herb gardening. Its elliptic leaves release a distinctive fragrance when brushed, and delicate pink tubular flowers bloom in rounded clusters from June through July. Hardy in zones 5 through 8, it thrives in full sun with minimal water and maintenance once established, tolerating drought and rocky soil with ease.
Full Sun
Moderate
5-8
8in H x 15in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Broad-leaved thyme spreads readily across rocky, sandy soils where other plants struggle, yet it despises rich, moist ground where it becomes leggy and loses flavor. The hairy, square stems and distinctly fragrant foliage create a textural ground cover that butterflies seek out during its June and July bloom, while deer consistently leave it alone. Its drought tolerance and ability to flourish in urban conditions make it one of the most resilient thymes for difficult sites.
As both culinary herb and ornamental ground cover, broad-leaved thyme serves dual purposes in the garden. Its fragrant foliage can be harvested for culinary use, though its primary value lies in spreading across challenging terrain as a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly ground cover that requires no mowing or replacement.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant established plants or divisions in spring after the last frost, spacing them 12 to 15 inches apart to accommodate mature width. Ensure soil is well-draining before planting.
Trim back immediately after flowering in July to maintain shape and prevent the plant from becoming woody and overgrown. Spring division also refreshes older plantings.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Thymus pulegioides is a true European native, inhabiting the temperate lowlands from grassy slopes to forest openings where it evolved to thrive in lean, rocky soils. The 'Foxley' cultivar represents a selection refined through cultivation, carrying forward the plant's ancient heritage as both culinary herb and aromatic ground cover across its native range.”