Thymus hirsutus - Thyme

Thymus hirsutus, better known as hairy thyme, is an evergreen undershrub with a low and particularly compact growth habit, capable of forming a close-knit carpet that will limit the germination of competing species, much like a moss conforming to the contours of the soil. In May-June, a multitude of tiny pink flowers cover the dense dark green foliage. This plant is an alternative to grass. It is ideal for filling the gaps between paving stones and walls, and filling the spaces between rocks in a rockery. A hardy perennial for poor soils, this thyme thrives in full sun and in well-drained soil that is not too dry in summer.

Probably native to Crimea and the Balkans, Thymus hirsutus is a botanical species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. In nature, it is found in rocky and well-drained places, especially in limestone and sandy soils. However, it likes to be regularly watered. Unlike many thymes, this species tolerates and even appreciates soils that remain moist in summer. Its drought resistance is quite limited, and the plant will require abundant watering once a week in a hot climate. It has a creeping habit, with its stems rooting upon contact with the ground, allowing it to form a tight and homogeneous foliage carpet, at least 2 to 5cm (1 to 2in) high and 50cm (20in) wide. Its foliage consists of tiny, oval, leathery leaves with a glossy green colour. The flowering takes place from May-June to July, depending on the climate. Very small tubular and bilabiate light pink flowers grouped in dense whorls bloom at the tips of the shoots, attracting numerous pollinating insects. This plant diffuses molecules from its roots that limit the germination of other plants through an allelopathy phenomenon, which ultimately reduces the need for weeding.

Thymus hirsutus is decorative all year round and proves to be very hardy in all our regions. Its creeping habit makes it an ideal plant to elegantly fill the gaps between paving stones, cracks, and the tops of walls, or the edges of a stone staircase, especially since it tolerates moderate foot traffic well. It can be used alone or mixed with other thymes ((Thymus ciliatus, Thymus serpyllum 'Lemon Curd', Thymus herba-barona, Thymus praecox), as well as with robust plants like Achillea crithmifolia or Trifolium fragiferum. Thymus hirsutus adorns the ground near a flower bed and advantageously replaces lawns in the periodically watered areas of the garden. It will thrive in a very sunny rockery, keeping company with aubrietas, gold or silver baskets, teucrium, and creeping ceanothus.