
Woolly Thyme
Thymus thymus vulgaris 'Wooly'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
3 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low to moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Garden Origin
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Wooly Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with aromatic leaves. This cultivar has soft, fuzzy leaves and a dense mat-forming habit, making it ideal for ground cover.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds lightly into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water sparingly until established, avoiding overwatering.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall, after last frost.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly after flowering to promote bushier growth.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining sandy or loamy soil and full sun for best aromatic growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently to prevent root rot π±
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth
- Ensure full sun exposure for optimal aroma and flavor
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot β
- Donβt fertilize excessively; too much nitrogen reduces flavor
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly-drained clay soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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 5β9. 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 β 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 early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone β 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 β 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
