PlantFiles: Alpine Calamint, Rock Thyme
Acinos alpinus

Discovered this plant at a local hardware store nursery...have had it for five years...have divided, planted it and it continues to thrive here in the Pacific Northwest, year after year. I have another plant very similar to it that I can't identify...it looks almost the same but the leaves are variegated green and ivory, and the flowers are pink. Does anyone know what that might be? Another variety of the rock thyme? It also thrives, spreads, is tough and problem free in similar growing conditions...somewhat dry in summer, but both plants get plenty of Northwest drizzle and rain and it soldiers on!

Also known as Alpine Basil, Alpine Thyme. Underwood Gardens sells this one and notes it is perennial to zone 4.They also recommend seed be sown outdoors in spring.

This plant is not particular about soil type but probably prefers dry and poor soil conditions. Soil must be well-drained, though. It does not like to sit in wet conditions.

Makes a nice rock garden plant. Violet flowers bloom in Autumn.