Thymus vulgaris.This woody little evergreen plant spreads steadily over the years and has pretty pink flowers which bees love. Winter Thyme plants grow to a height of 30cm (12″). Wonderful in Mediterranean cuisine, teas, potpourri and a key ingredient of bouquet garni. Thyme dries well, too – cut sprigs and tie them with thread for hanging out of direct sunlight. They remove the brittle leaves from the stalks and store them in a cool, dry, unlit place. Plants do well in containers, and they’re drought tolerant, so consider them for xeriscaping. Cut thyme back by a third at the end of the season to encourage lots of spring growth and flower set.

Perennial