cutting back thyme

Discussion in 'Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, Ferns and Bulbs' started by terri g, Jun 27, 2008.

  1. terri g

    terri g Member

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    I have a thyme plant about 10 inches in diameter. The problem is that the leafy portion forms about 8 inches down the leggy stems. The woody part is almost parallel to the ground, the stem portion is so long. To create a more compact plant, is it safe to cut it right back, eliminating all leaves and most of the stem, or will this kill the plant? It's otherwise healthy.
    Thank you for your help
     
  2. bjo

    bjo Active Member 10 Years

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    In my experience it is very risky to prune a thyme severely. What I do when a thyme gets leggy is to pile up sandy compost into the bare middle. If this is kept moist, but not wet, the plant will then root into this compost and new young shoots will appear and you should get a "new" bushy larger plant .

    The trick to keeping a plant compact and bushy is to prune it lightly but frequently - but I never learn!!

    Good Luck
    BrianO
     

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