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Thymus pulegioides ‘Tabor’ is an aromatic, evergreen Large Thyme, forming a low mat of scented foliage. Its masses of lilac-pink flowers attract bees and butterflies throughout summer. Ideal for ground cover, rockeries, or path edges in full sun.
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Bring a touch of aromatic beauty to your garden with Thymus pulegioides ‘Tabor’, a resilient thyme that offers delightful fragrance and a carpet of vibrant blooms.
Thymus pulegioides ‘Tabor’, also known as Large Thyme or Broad-leaved Thyme, is a charming evergreen perennial. This particular cultivar forms a dense, spreading mat of small, dark green leaves. When you brush against its foliage, a wonderful, rich aroma fills the air. It truly enhances any sunny spot in a UK garden; furthermore, it provides a subtle yet constant source of visual and olfactory pleasure throughout the year.
This delightful plant originates from a species found across much of Europe. The genus name ‘Thymus’ stems from ancient Greek, often linked to ‘thyo’, meaning ‘to perfume’, or ‘thymos’, meaning ‘courage’. The specific epithet ‘pulegioides’ means ‘like pennyroyal’, referring to its leaf shape. Furthermore, ‘Tabor’ is a distinctive cultivar, selected for its vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
Thymus pulegioides ‘Tabor’ creates a superb living carpet, growing low to the ground. Its small, glossy, oval leaves are a deep green colour. They remain evergreen, providing year-round interest and texture in the garden. This resilient plant tolerates light foot traffic, making it perfect for planting between paving stones or along pathways. Simply walking past releases its lovely scent, adding another sensory layer to your outdoor space.
From early summer into the warmer months, Thymus pulegioides ‘Tabor’ produces an impressive display. Masses of tiny, tubular, lilac-pink flowers emerge on short stems. These delicate blooms create a soft, hazy effect across the foliage. Consequently, your garden will gain a beautiful flush of colour just when many other early spring flowers begin to fade.
Moreover, these charming flowers are a magnet for local wildlife. Bees, hoverflies, and butterflies are drawn to the nectar-rich blossoms. Planting this thyme actively supports biodiversity, offering a valuable food source for pollinators. Thus, it transforms a patch of your garden into a bustling, vibrant haven for beneficial insects, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
Thymus pulegioides ‘Tabor’ is incredibly versatile in its garden applications. It makes an excellent choice for ground cover, effectively suppressing weeds while creating a lush, uniform appearance. Consider using it to edge borders, providing a soft transition between paths and planting areas. It also thrives in rock gardens, tumbling gracefully over stones and fitting perfectly into crevices.
You can also plant this Broad-leaved Thyme on dry banks, where its drought tolerance will shine. Its low-growing habit means it rarely needs extensive pruning. However, a light trim after flowering helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages a denser habit for the following season. This simple task keeps the plant looking its best without much effort.
Very hardy. Tolerates temperatures typical of a continental winter.
Water regularly until established, typically for the first growing season. Once mature, Thymus pulegioides 'Tabor' is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, especially in typical UK summer conditions. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
This thyme generally thrives in poor to moderately fertile soil and does not require regular feeding. If your soil is exceptionally poor, a light application of a balanced granular feed in early spring can encourage more vigorous growth and flowering.
Perform a light trim after the main flowering period (late summer/early autumn) to remove spent flowers and tidy the plant's shape. This encourages denser growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody and leggy over time. Avoid heavy pruning into old, woody stems.
As an RHS Hardiness H6 rated plant, Thymus pulegioides 'Tabor' is fully hardy throughout the UK and generally requires no special winter protection. Ensure it is planted in well-drained soil, as excessive winter wet can be more detrimental than cold temperatures.


