Troubleshooting
Rock Thyme problems — and how to fix them
Rock Thyme (Thymus comptus) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root rot in wet soil
The most common cause of failure; roots sitting in waterlogged or clay-heavy soil quickly rot, especially over winter. Ensure perfect drainage and consider raising the bed or adding a deep gravel layer.
Woody die-back from centre
Without annual trimming after flowering, the central stems become bare and woody. Cut back by one-third immediately after blooms fade but never into bare old wood.
Prevent rock thyme problems before they start
Most rock thyme issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Rock Thyme problems — FAQ
Why is my rock thyme root rot in wet soil?
The most common cause of failure; roots sitting in waterlogged or clay-heavy soil quickly rot, especially over winter. Ensure perfect drainage and consider raising the bed or adding a deep gravel layer.
Why is my rock thyme woody die-back from centre?
Without annual trimming after flowering, the central stems become bare and woody. Cut back by one-third immediately after blooms fade but never into bare old wood.