Thymus camphoratus aka Camphor Thyme

Thymus camphoratus, or camphor thyme, belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This evergreen subshrub comes from southern and southwestern Portugal. Kew places it in the subtropical climate zone. In the wild, it grows in dry, sandy sites and scrub. It forms a bushy mound rather than a tall shrub. Its small size suits beds where space is limited.

Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] in height and width. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach maturity. Dark green leaves have an ovate, or egg-shaped, outline. They carry a strong scent that recalls camphor. The foliage stays on the plant through winter. Small, pale mauve flowers grow in clusters above the leaves. Flowering falls in late spring and early summer.

Give this thyme full sun and a sheltered site. It needs soil that drains well, with neutral or alkaline pH. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. It copes with poor soil and drought once grown in suitable conditions. Wet ground and waterlogged roots do not suit it. Sources differ sharply on its cold tolerance. PFAF lists USDA zones 6–9, while the RHS gives H2. The RHS rating means it cannot survive freezing. In cold areas, the RHS recommends growing it in a pot. Move the pot into a frost-free glasshouse for winter.

Its low shape suits rock gardens, gravel beds and ground cover. It also fits courtyards, cottage gardens and Mediterranean-style planting. Pots offer a way to enjoy its scented leaves. The RHS includes it among plants for wildlife gardens. Trim the plant after bloom to keep its shape compact. Propagate it by division or by taking semi-hardwood cuttings. The RHS reports few problems with pests or disease. Good drainage remains a key part of its care.

PFAF records no known food uses and gives edibility zero out of five. It also lists no known hazards. That does not establish that eating the plant is safe. Its essential oil contains thymol, which has antiseptic properties. PFAF records uses in perfume, mouthwash, deodorants and disinfectants. It gives both medicinal and other uses two out of five. Plants may be harvested at flowering for drying or oil extraction.