Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a low-growing, woody perennial that performs especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. A beloved Mediterranean herb, it holds its taste in cooking and blends well with other flavors of its native region, such as garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes.
The tiny pink, lavender, or white tubular flowers of thyme plants appear in the spring and summer months and are well-liked by bees and other pollinators. Its tiny gray-green leaves remain evergreen, and most thyme varieties can even be harvested in winter in the zones where it is a perennial.
Thyme can be planted at almost any time. It will mature enough to allow for harvest within a few months, then will reliably return year after year in USDA zones 5 through 9 where it is hardy. Providing a thick layer of mulch in colder regions helps protect thyme during the winter.