Woolly Thyme
Thymus pseudolanuginosus
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
3 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Europe
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Thymus pseudolanuginosus, commonly known as Woolly Thyme, is a low-growing, aromatic perennial with dense, fuzzy foliage and tiny, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in summer, forming a soft mat. Valued for its dense, woolly-haired, gray-green leaves that form a soft, mat-like ground cover. It is excellent for planting between stepping stones as it tolerates light foot traffic and releases a pleasant fragrance when bruised.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring
- Water gently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Place in full sun for best growth
- Allow 6 weeks for germination
- Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly once established 💧
- Prune lightly after flowering ✂️
- Use well-drained soil for planting
- Provide full sun for optimal growth
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization 🌱
- Do not shade the plant
- Don’t plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Woolly Thyme questions
What zones can Woolly Thyme grow in?
Woolly Thyme is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Woolly Thyme deer resistant?
Yes — Woolly Thyme is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Woolly Thyme bloom?
Woolly Thyme typically blooms in summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Woolly Thyme need full sun?
Woolly Thyme does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Woolly Thyme drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Woolly Thyme handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Thymus to compare
Elfin Creeping Thyme
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'
Red Creeping Thyme
Thymus thymus 'Coccineus'
Magic Carpet Thyme
Thymus serpyllum 'Magic Carpet'
Annie Hall Creeping Thyme
Thymus serpyllum 'Annie Hall'
Culinary Thyme
Thymus vulgaris 'Culinary Thyme'
Woolly Thyme
Thymus lanuginosus
Keep exploring
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Grow Woolly Thyme with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
