Clinopodium Species, Alpine Calamint, Rock Thyme

I bought this three or so years ago and planted it in the middle of the lawn in a bed that also had creeping thyme. It expanded into a pa...Read Moretch about two feet long on the edge of the ever-expanding creeping thyme. It flowers every year in early summer. The flowers are a bright purple, much nicer than the dull pink thyme flowers. The stems are thicker than creeping thyme stems. They gradually form a somewhat woody mat over the surface of the soil. The new growth is often purple.

Because I want the creeping thyme to grow into a lawn, I moved the rock thyme recently (late July 2013). I took only part of it. As I removed the dirt from the part I discarded, I saw that there were dead stems covered in mold and rotting in the part of the plant underground. I had sprinkled soil over the plant to allow the stems to root. I think the plant would do best if it were replanted every two or so years and the old stems removed. The old patch was looking pretty bare and ratty by the time I moved it. I submerged it a bit in soil, which will hopefully aid its renewal.

Discovered this plant at a local hardware store nursery...have had it for five years...have divided, planted it and it continues to thriv...Read Moree here in the Pacific Northwest, year after year. I have another plant very similar to it that I can't identify...it looks almost the same but the leaves are variegated green and ivory, and the flowers are pink. Does anyone know what that might be? Another variety of the rock thyme? It also thrives, spreads, is tough and problem free in similar growing conditions...somewhat dry in summer, but both plants get plenty of Northwest drizzle and rain and it soldiers on!

Also known as Alpine Basil, Alpine Thyme. Underwood Gardens sells this one and notes it is perennial to zone 4.They also recommend seed b...Read Moree sown outdoors in spring.

This plant is not particular about soil type but probably prefers dry and poor soil conditions. Soil must be well-drained, though. It ...Read Moredoes not like to sit in wet conditions.

Makes a nice rock garden plant. Violet flowers bloom in Autumn.