A tiny, mat-forming herb with fragrant leaves and lilac flowers from late spring into summer. It can handle light foot traffic and is lovely between stepping stones, but in Phoenix it needs good drainage and relief from afternoon sun.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide. Let the soil dry between waterings. Its shallow crown rots in soggy soil, which is the most common way it fails here.
Pruning
Shear lightly after flowering to keep it tight and tidy.
Heat
Summer heat over 110°F can scorch it or push it into a slow, semi-dormant state. Afternoon shade and gravel mulch, not bark, help it through.
Soil
Heavy, alkaline soil drains poorly. Mixing in coarse sand or fine gravel where it is planted makes a real difference.
How our designers use it
Between pavers
Our designers use it in the joints of stepping-stone paths and patios that get shade in the afternoon.
Herb and kitchen gardens
It edges raised herb beds and doubles as a cooking herb.
Good to know
Around the pool
Soft and low, with no litter to speak of. The flowers do draw bees, so keep it out of the main walking path while it is in bloom.
Phoenix sun
In full afternoon sun it rarely lasts. Choose its spot carefully.
