Woolly Thyme

Woolly thyme is a drought tolerant plant and over-watering should be avoided. Water regularly, but only when the soil begins to dry out. If the plant is kept in a pot, ensure that it has adequate drainage and avoid soggy soil. If planted out in the garden, this thyme should be slowly adapted to slightly dryer conditions, once established.

Woolly thyme prefers full sun conditions, but it will thrive in partial shade, as well. Make sure to position the plant in a warm, sunny location, as it will need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. As this is a low-growing plant, avoid planting it in heavily shaded spots, as this may cause the foliage to become sparse and weak.

Woolly thyme is very cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius). It has also proven to be drought and heat tolerant, and is frost resistant. For best growth, temperatures should be kept in the range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 32 degrees Celsius).

Woolly thyme does not require high humidity levels, and can tolerate dry air. High humidity levels can lead to fungal diseases, so it is best to keep the air around the plant slightly dry. When the plant is in full growth, misting the foliage can be beneficial, but this should not be done regularly.

Woolly thyme prefers neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. Use a loose, light potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Soil that contains plenty of mulch is also ideal, as this helps to keep the soil cool and retain moisture. Avoid using heavy, clay-based soils, as these can leave the plant susceptible to fungal diseases.

Woolly thyme can be fertilized in the spring or summer months with a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. If the soil is low in nutrients, adding an organic fertilizer, such as fish emulsion, compost, or worm castings, can also be beneficial. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and an increase in pests and diseases. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing period and once every two to three months during the winter.

Woolly thyme is generally pest and disease-free, however, there are a few common pests that can be a nuisance. These include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Using a well-balanced garden insecticide can be effective in getting rid of these pests, but it should be applied according to the instructions on the label. If you’d prefer a more natural approach, adding insect-eating nematodes to the soil, or spraying the plant with a neem oil solution can be very effective.

Woolly thyme does not often require repotting, however, it is recommended to repot the plant once a year to keep it healthy. When repotting, select a pot that is slightly larger than the previous size, ensuring that it has good drainage. Only use fresh potting soil and position the plant in an area that receives plenty of sunlight.

Woolly thyme does not require regular pruning and should only be pruned if the plant becomes overgrown or untidy. Generally, stems that appear limp or are dead can be trimmed back with a pair of sharp scissors, or occasionally shearing the plant to encourage bushier growth.

Mulching around the thyme helps to keep the soil cool and retain moisture, so mulch should be applied in the spring or the fall. An organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, is ideal, and will help to suppress weeds and prevent the spread of disease.

Woolly thyme can be propagated from seeds, basal cuttings, or division. If propagating from seeds, the seeds should be sown in a shop-bought seed compost in early spring and lightly covered with compost or vermiculite. It is important to ensure that the seedlings are kept moist, but not soggy, and kept in a warm, light spot until they are established. Once the plants become established, they can be separated and potted up into individual containers. For propagation by cuttings, select a healthy stem with some leaves at the base and cut just below a leaf node. Pot the cuttings in a damp seed compost and place the pots in a warm, light spot. The cuttings may take up to six weeks to root. For propagation by division, divide the plant in spring or autumn and replant in individual containers, making sure to use a good, free-draining compost.

Woolly thyme plants do not need support, but as they have a tendency to spread out over time, it may be necessary to use edging or support structures to keep the plants contained.

Woolly thyme does not need a rest period, but if the plant begins to look sparse or unhealthy, it can benefit from a period of drought. To do this, reduce the watering frequency, and only water the soil lightly when it begins to dry out.

Woolly thyme is not toxic to pets, however, it is best to keep the plant away from animals, as they may inadvertently eat the foliage, which can cause digestive irritation.