Thymus 'Albiflorus'

Thymus 'Albiflorus' – White-Flowering Thyme: A Fragrant and Elegant Groundcover

Introduce a touch of elegance to your garden with Thymus 'Albiflorus', commonly known as White-Flowering Thyme. This delightful variety of thyme is cherished for its aromatic foliage and profusion of white blooms, making it a superb choice for ground cover, rock gardens, and culinary uses.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Typically reaches a modest height of about 5-10 cm, creating a low, dense mat that elegantly carpets the ground.
• Spread: Spreads out to approximately 30 cm, filling spaces with its fragrant leaves and blossoms.
• Leaf Colour: Features small, evergreen leaves that are dark green in color, providing a lush background for its white flowers.
• Flowering Period: Blossoms abundantly with tiny, star-like white flowers from late spring to early summer, adding a striking visual contrast against the green foliage.
• Foliage: The leaves release a pleasant, herbal fragrance when crushed, which can enhance the sensory experience of any garden or culinary dish.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, which encourages the most robust growth and flowering.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping or low-water garden areas.

Uses and Benefits: Thymus 'Albiflorus' is exceptionally versatile in the garden. It is perfect for use as an aromatic ground cover, tucked between stepping stones, or planted along border edges where its fragrance can be appreciated up close. Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for rockeries and rooftop gardens as well. In addition to its ornamental appeal, White-Flowering Thyme is edible, with leaves that can be used to flavor dishes just like other thyme varieties.

Companion Plants: Pair Thymus 'Albiflorus' with other drought-tolerant plants for a low-maintenance garden:

• Lavender: With similar growing requirements, lavender complements the white flowers of thyme with its purple spikes.
• Sedum: Offers varied textures and colors that contrast well with the uniform mat of thyme.
• Santolina: Its gray or green foliage and yellow flowers provide a beautiful color contrast and textural diversity.

Care Instructions: Plant in a location that receives full sun to promote dense growth and abundant flowering. Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot, particularly in colder climates. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, reduce watering as Thymus 'Albiflorus' is quite drought-resistant. Trim back spent flowers after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage denser growth.

History: Thymus 'Albiflorus' is part of the large thyme family, widely appreciated for both its culinary and ornamental qualities. This particular cultivar is notable for its white blooms, which are less common in the predominantly purple-flowered genus.

Final Thoughts: Thymus 'Albiflorus' brings a unique charm to any garden with its combination of aromatic foliage and elegant white flowers. Whether used for culinary purposes or as a delightful addition to your landscape, White-Flowering Thyme offers beauty and practicality. Its resilience and low-maintenance nature make it a favored choice for gardeners seeking both functional and aesthetic value in their plant selections.