Thymus serpyllum

Subshrub of the Lamiaceae family, Thymus serpyllum is a species with a wide Eurasian distribution, found in dry grasslands, heaths, rocky outcrops, and stabilized scree, from plains to mountainous levels. It should be noted that, in the strict botanical sense, Thymus serpyllum is mainly native to Northern and Central Europe; a plant photographed in Spain may belong to a related species, but it is presented here under this collection name.

This prostrate form creates dense, branched mats, closely following the ground's relief, not exceeding 5 to 10 cm in height. The small oval-rounded leaves, of a fairly deep bright green, are arranged in tight pairs on fine, woody-based stems.

The flowers, of a bright pink to deep pink-magenta, are grouped in very numerous small terminal heads that densely and brightly cover the mat. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August depending on altitude and exposure.

In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, in full exposure. It tolerates summer drought and is perfectly suited to rock gardens, paving joints, and sunny walls.