Thymus quinquecostatus

Thymus quinquecostatus is another of the very few thymes that thrive in our summer heat and humidity. This alpine thyme hails from the high mountains of Japan, China, Russia, Mongolia, Korea, and even into Afghanistan. For us, Thymus quinquecostatus forms a 2″ tall x 8′ wide evergreen mat topped, starting in June and continuing until frost, with small but relatively showy (for a thyme) lavender pink flowers. Five-ribbed thyme is a delightful groundcover for underplanting in full sun, well-drained situations.