Thymus tauricus
Thymus tauricus
Crimean thyme
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Description
Thymus tauricus, commonly called Crimean thyme, is a hardy, aromatic, low-growing thyme with fine, evergreen foliage and soft pink-lilac blooms. It thrives in full sun, poor gritty soils, and dry conditions, making an excellent culinary herb and a beautiful, bee-magnet groundcover for rock gardens and edges.
Common Names
Crimean thymeTauric thyme
Context
nativeRegion
Crimea and the Black Sea region, including parts of Ukraine, Turkey, and the Caucasus.
usdaZones
5–9
companionPlants
Lavender, Rosemary, Sage, Oregano, Santolina, Sedum, Yarrow, Salvia
culturalUses
Culinary herb for meats, vegetables, and teas; traditional herbal uses (aromatic, antiseptic); excellent nectar source for pollinators and ornamental groundcover.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6+ hours daily) for best flavor and dense growth.
WateringLow; water to establish, then infrequent deep soaks. Let soil dry between waterings—avoid soggy conditions.
SoilVery well-drained, gritty/sandy or rocky soil; neutral to alkaline pH is ideal.
FertilizerMinimal feeding. Light compost in spring or a dilute balanced feed once in growing season; avoid high nitrogen.
HumidityLow to average; prefers good airflow and dry foliage.
TemperatureOptimal 50–85°F (10–29°C); hardy roughly to USDA Zone 5 (-20°F / -29°C) if drainage is excellent.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitLow, mounding to mat-forming evergreen subshrub with woody stems.
Mature Size4–8 in tall (10–20 cm); 12–24 in spread (30–60 cm).
Growth RateModerate growth rate.
BloomingLate spring to early summer; pink to lilac flowers attractive to bees.
DormancyEvergreen to semi-evergreen; growth slows in winter.
Propagation
MethodsSemi-ripe cuttings, Division, Seed, Layering
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer (seed in spring; cuttings/division in late spring to early summer).
Maintenance & Notes
PruningShear lightly by up to one-third after flowering to keep compact; tip-prune in spring; avoid cutting into old woody stems.
RepottingFor containers, refresh into a gritty mix every 2–3 years in spring; trim roots lightly and improve drainage (terracotta recommended).
Pests & DiseasesGenerally tough; root rot if overwatered or poorly drained; possible powdery mildew/botrytis in high humidity; occasional aphids or spider mites.
ToxicityGenerally non-toxic to humans and pets; large quantities may cause mild GI upset; essential oil can irritate sensitive skin.
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