Common thyme and Rock rose are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Thymus vulgaris 30 cm × 40 cm after 10 years
Common thyme is a low, evergreen, strongly scented subshrub that works as a kitchen herb, a bee plant and an edging for sunny, dry beds all at once.…
Helianthemum × hybridum 25 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
Hybrid rock roses are low, spreading evergreen subshrubs with grey-green or silvery foliage that cover themselves from late May to midsummer in white,…
Common thyme grows larger: 30 cm × 40 cm after ten years, against 25 cm × 60 cm for Rock rose.
Rock rose is cheaper: about €5 at the size usually planted, against about €8.90 for Common thyme.
|
Feature
|
Common thyme
|
Rock rose
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 30 cm × 40 cm | 25 cm × 60 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–30 cm × 15–40 cm | 10–30 cm × 30–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–July, purple, pink, white | May–July, white, yellow, orange, red, pink |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 40 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic | no data |
| For cats | Non-toxic | no data |
| For children | Non-toxic | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €8.90 | approx. €5 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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