Thymus 'Wooly Thyme'

Thymus pseudolanuginosus (Woolly Thyme): A Silvery Tapestry of Soft Texture

With its dense, silvery foliage and velvety-soft texture, Woolly Thyme is a standout groundcover that offers year-round interest and tactile appeal. The tiny, grey-green leaves form a low, fuzzy mat that spreads gently over stones, gravel, and dry soils. In early summer, clusters of soft pink flowers appear above the foliage, attracting bees while adding a delicate floral layer to its carpet-like growth. Its muted colour and plush habit make it especially valuable in modern, drought-tolerant plantings and minimalist designs.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 2–5 cm
• Spread: 30–60 cm, slow to moderate spread
• Flower Colour: Soft pink
• Flowering Period: Early to midsummer
• Foliage: Fine, silvery-grey leaves with a soft, woolly texture; evergreen in mild climates
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; drought tolerant

Uses and Benefits: Woolly Thyme is perfect for softening stone pathways, edging gravel gardens, and filling crevices in rock walls. Its mat-forming habit suppresses weeds and helps retain soil moisture while offering a unique textural element. Tolerant of foot traffic and extreme drought once established, it’s both beautiful and functional in low-maintenance and xeric landscapes.

Companion Plants: Pair Woolly Thyme with the crisp white spires of Salvia 'Snowhill' for a cool-toned, pollinator-friendly combination. Add Achillea 'Moonshine' for its bold, sulfur-yellow blooms and ferny silver foliage. Anchor the planting with Festuca 'Elijah Blue', whose bright, icy-blue tufts echo the thyme’s silvery tones and enhance the textural contrast.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Water occasionally until established, then only during extended drought. Trim lightly after flowering to encourage density and maintain a tidy appearance. Avoid overly rich or moist soils to prevent decline.

History: Native to alpine and dry regions of Europe, Woolly Thyme has long been valued for its low, spreading form and unique texture. It is particularly favoured in rock gardens and herb-themed plantings for its ornamental foliage and soft resilience.

Final Thoughts: Gentle in touch but tough in spirit, Woolly Thyme weaves a silver-hued groundcover that brings softness, structure, and lasting character to sunny, well-drained spaces.