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Dwarf Thyme. When to plant in the UK?

#1 · 17th January 2022, 1:37 pm

Hi Ninja's

Quick question about filling gaps in a garden feature:

I've created a sundial in my garden, and wish to plant dwarf thyme between the stones.

Ideas on timings, seed types etc well recieved!!

I'll try and upload a snap of it.

I'm in Devon

Rich

Uploaded files:

HelenPD has reacted to this post.

#2 · 19th January 2022, 12:49 pm

Hi Rich,

Many thanks for your query about dwarf thyme and your sundial feature. It looks lovely.

The best type of dwarf thyme to use would be something like Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' (Creeping Thyme). However, looking at the gaps I think even the smallest Thymes may quickly overrun the design causing a potential blotchy look. I'm not sure there is enough space for the ultimate height and spread. You can propagate this Thyme by softwood cuttings - checkout my guide below on how to do that. Growing from seed is possible but also remember that the Thymus like full sun and warm conditions to thrive which can be a struggle sometimes with our British weather! Germination can be a bit erratic unless grown under glass or inside first.

It would probably be easier to buy a few plants ready grown and split them instead by division.

What may look nicer is to use some Sedum. Like Sedum album which is more suitable for growing in this type of structure. It naturally grows in stony outcrops. Although you can't walk on it like Thyme I think it would work better.

You can see Sedum album in my green roof project and video below. You could use a roll of this to infill the gaps quite nicely by splitting it up into smaller plants.