A low, spreading form of the culinary herb, with fragrant needle-like leaves and pale blue flowers in late winter and spring. It takes full Phoenix sun, needs little water once established and cascades beautifully over walls and planter edges.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide. Once established it needs very little. Overwatering and heavy, poorly drained soil are the main causes of decline, so err on the dry side.
Pruning
Trim the tips lightly and often to keep it dense. Avoid cutting back into old, bare wood, which does not reliably sprout new growth.
Soil
Good drainage is essential. On heavy caliche, a raised bed or slope helps.
How our designers use it
Cascading over walls
Its arching stems spill over retaining walls, raised planters and the edges of terraces.
Slopes and broad beds
A few plants cover a lot of ground on banks and hillsides with little water.
Near outdoor kitchens
It doubles as a kitchen herb, so our designers like it close to grills and dining areas.
Good to know
Around the pool
Soft, thornless and low-litter, so it works near decks. The winter flowers do draw bees, so we keep it back from the water’s edge and seating.
Foot traffic
It does not tolerate being walked on. Keep it off paths.
