Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) grows 1 foot tall by 2 feet wide, with narrow to oval, gray-green leaves. White to lilac flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Thyme grows best in partial shade where summers are hot. It needs light, well-drained soil. Once established, plants need little water and no fertilizer. Snip off branch tips as needed and use fresh or dried for seasoning fish, shellfish, poultry stuffing, soups, or vegetables.