thyme, for rockery?

Hi could anybody tell me how good thyme is for a rockery?
Is there any specific requirements and does it tend to spread like say mint?
I like the idea of thyme for its appearance and from what If seen does attract bees and other insects which is something I like to promote in me garden.

 

We are using it, and it gently spreads, not like crazy mint.

 

Thanks redstar, we planted mint in the ground once and it invaded everything lol

 

Is there any specific requirements for thyme?

 

Thyme likes it well drained and sunny, rich soil not required - think mediterranean hillside.
There are some excellent low-growing varieties, different flower colours from white through pink to mauve. Also some interesting foliage variations from yellow through bright green to dark green, grey and wooly
A mixture planted together makes a very attractive, low maintenance display and is much loved by the bees

 

Thanks for the info Lovage.
The garden center down the road from me has a couple of good sized ones in.
The tiny leaves look variegated with tiny pink flowers and both are in a dome shape, look really nice.
Do they naturally grow in a dome shape?

 

Just had a look around on the net and I think pick 1 is the one like in the GS in regards to leaf and flower color, although not the same color in pick 2 the shape was more like whats in the GS.

Pick 1


Pick 2

 

Hello Karl

I grow Thyme ... I have normal (Old English), lemon and ????? .... they like to sprawl around my front patio and sand garden. I cut them back once a year as they tend to take over. Must admit I grow them for their beauty rather than the herbal aspect.

I had one when I lived in Bucks and it was magnificent and sprawled over from a raised border onto a small gravel area, about 3/4 of a metre, with lovely lilac flowers in the Spring/Summer.

I love them and say go for it ... oh, and as to requirements ... neglect seems quite good ....

 

Sounds perfect, I bet they look nice with various varieties together?
Im assuming they would benifit from lots of grit/sharp sand in the soil for drainage?

 

If you can, buy a few of the varieties, just for the beauty and scent ... and it's nice to scrunch up on the BBQ coals whilst you're grilling ....

Personally I have red clay and rock here but I put sharp sand mixed in the little border where I put them next to all my Salvias. They do like good drainage but a little watering is in order ... at least here but I'm not in the UK anymore .... :lollol:

 

For me its definitely only the beauty and scent Im after although a close neighbour who loves cooking would love the freebies lol
1 Im definitely having in there along the back of the garden are hardy geraniums, my mum has always had them and I just love them, attract plenty of bees too which is what Im after.

 

The best carpeting thymes are varieties of T. serphyllum, growing only 1 inch or 2 high. T. s. minimus only grows to about 1cm high but spreads well