Alpine Rock Thyme

Alpine rock thyme, catalogued by Kew as *Clinopodium alpinum*, is a small, low-growing perennial of Central European and Mediterranean mountain habitats. Its fresh-green leaves and violet flowers, occasionally pink or white, make it a useful detail plant for sunny rock gardens, troughs, and other sharply drained spaces. ## Landscape Use and Seasonal Interest FloraWeb describes ascending to partly prostrate stems about 10–25 cm tall, with violet flowers (occasionally pink or white) from July through September. Kew accepts *Clinopodium alpinum* and lists *Acinos alpinus* as a synonym; both names refer to the same species. The RHS lists Alpine Calamint as a synonym and places the plant in Lamiaceae. [Kew POWO](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:445714-1), [FloraWeb](https://www.floraweb.de/php/artenhome.php?suchnr=48), and the [RHS alpine calamint profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/59895/calamintha-alpina/details) identify the accepted name, synonym, and species traits. ## Siting and Soil Use a sunny position with free-draining, gritty soil. The species is associated with rocky grassland; the RHS alpine guide recommends gravel or rock gardens, raised beds, and containers for alpines where winter water can drain away. Avoid heavy soil that stays wet. ## Maintenance Water while new plants establish, then check moisture during warm, dry periods; containers dry faster than open ground. Keep the crown and lower foliage from sitting in damp compost through winter. The [RHS alpine growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/alpines/growing-guide) provides general site guidance for alpine plants.