Doone Valley Thyme – Creeping Lemon-Scented Thyme

Doone Valley Thyme (Thymus 'Doone Valley') forms a low, spreading mat of dark green leaves splashed with gold, with a fresh lemon scent that is released every time it is brushed or stepped on. Supplied as a healthy plant in a 9cm pot, it is one of the best thymes for planting between paving, on rockeries and along path edges.

Product Highlights

• Gold-splashed evergreen foliage with a lovely lemon fragrance
• Creeping habit – just 5–10cm tall, spreading gently over stone
• Mauve-pink summer flowers loved by bees
• Hardy, drought tolerant and happy in full sun
• Tolerates light foot traffic

At a Glance

• Botanical name: Thymus 'Doone Valley'
• Type: Creeping, lemon-scented thyme
• Height: 5–10cm
• Spread: 30–45cm
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Sharp-draining, gritty or sandy
• Flowers: Mauve-pink, June to August
• Hardiness: Fully hardy evergreen in the UK
• Pot size: 9cm

What You Receive

• 1 healthy, established Doone Valley Thyme plant (Thymus 'Doone Valley') in a 9cm pot
• Grown and packed with care in the UK

Why You'll Love It

• Softens hard landscaping with fragrant colour all year
• Lemony leaves are delicious with fish, chicken and roasted vegetables
• Thrives on neglect – sun and sharp drainage are all it asks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk on Doone Valley thyme?
Yes, it tolerates light, occasional foot traffic and releases its lemon scent when stepped on. For busy paths, plant it in the gaps and edges rather than the main walking line.

Is Doone Valley thyme good for planting between paving?
Yes. It is one of the best thymes for paving gaps, gravel and rockeries. Fill the pocket with a gritty, free-draining mix and plant around 20–30cm apart to form a mat.

Does Doone Valley thyme smell of lemon?
Yes. The leaves have a fresh lemon-thyme scent and flavour, lovely with fish, chicken, vegetables and in herbal teas.

Why are the gold markings stronger in winter?
The gold splashes on Doone Valley are usually brightest in the cooler months, giving the plant extra colour through autumn, winter and spring.

How do I care for Doone Valley thyme?
Give it full sun and sharp drainage, water only until established, and trim lightly after flowering to keep it dense. Avoid heavy, wet soil.

Folklore & Fascinating Facts

• The Romans burned thyme to purify rooms and believed it gave courage.
• Medieval ladies embroidered sprigs of thyme onto scarves for knights going into battle.
• Folklore says fairies love to dance on beds of wild thyme.