Most members of this genus make low, spreading mats with small leaves along the stems, and are strongly aromatic. They are robust enough to stand being walked on, so can be planted where they will spread into a gravel path. The flowers, dense terminal clusters, are usually in shades of pink.

Thymus 'Hartington Silver' makes a mat of creamy white variegated leaves, and has pale pink flowers. It is also sometimes known as Thymus 'Highland Cream'.