Creeping Thyme Coccineus Group, Wild Thyme Coccineus Group, Red Creeping Thyme
Red Creeping Thyme (Thymus Coccineus Group), also known as Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’ or Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’, is a vigorous, mat-forming perennial sub-shrub prized for its vibrant reddish-pink blooms and fragrant foliage. Belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is a top choice for sunny landscapes, offering ornamental beauty, drought tolerance, and ecological value. Unlike culinary thyme, Red Creeping Thyme is grown mainly for its ground-hugging habit, pollinator appeal, and ornamental interest.
Aside from creeping thyme, the Lamiaceae family includes other well-known culinary herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint, sage, and oregano.
Red Creeping Thyme is native to Europe and Western Asia. It thrives in open meadows, dry hillsides, and rocky slopes where sunlight is abundant and the soil drains quickly.
This low-growing, spreading sub-shrub forms a dense, mat-like ground cover. It typically reaches 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in height and spreads 8-12 inches (30–45 cm) or more over time. Its stems root as they spread, making it ideal for erosion control, walkways, and covering bare ground.
Red Creeping Thyme showcases small, bell-like tubular flowers in vivid shades ranging from magenta to deep pink. Blooming from early to late summer, the blossoms typically form at the tips of upright stems but can also appear along the sides. Their high nectar content makes them especially attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
The foliage features tiny evergreen leaves that are dark green and occasionally glossy. Densely clustered, the leaves create a soft, ground-hugging mat that may take on bronze tones in autumn, depending on the climate. When touched or walked on, the leaves release a gentle herbal scent, making the plant especially appealing for use along paths and in rock gardens.
Red Creeping Thyme is hardy in USDA zones 5–9, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°F (-28.9°C). It tolerates cold winters, hot summers, and dry conditions once established. In colder climates, the foliage may brown in winter but recovers quickly in spring.
Red Creeping Thyme is the recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Red Creeping Thyme is a pollinator favorite, providing nectar and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its extended bloom time ensures continuous support for wildlife throughout the growing season.
Once established, Red Creeping Thyme is drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, rocky, or sandy soils. It is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
The plant’s aromatic foliage deters deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice in areas with wildlife browsing pressure.
Red Creeping Thyme is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, according to the ASPCA. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild stomach upset in pets or people.
Red Creeping Thyme is not invasive, but its spreading growth can cover large areas over time. Use edging or plant in open areas where spreading is desirable.
Divide mature plants in late spring or early summer. Carefully separate clumps, making sure each section has healthy roots, and replant promptly.
In spring or summer, take 4–6 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems. Dip in rooting hormone if desired, and plant in moist, well-drained potting mix. Keep in a bright, warm spot until roots form and new growth appears.
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outdoors when temperatures stay above 60°F. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge.
Red Creeping Thyme is generally a hardy and resilient plant with few serious pest or disease issues. However, certain conditions can make it vulnerable to problems, particularly in poorly drained or overly humid environments.
Yes, Red Creeping Thyme has fragrant, edible leaves that can be used fresh or dried in the kitchen. It adds flavor to soups, marinades, roasted vegetables, and meat dishes. The leaves also make a beautiful, aromatic garnish.
Yes, the plant’s essential oils, particularly thymol and carvacrol, are known for their insect-repellent properties. Crushing the leaves helps release these oils and can help deter mosquitoes in the garden.
Red Creeping Thyme spreads steadily, forming a dense mat within one to two growing seasons under favorable conditions. Planting young plants 8 to 12 inches apart will encourage full ground coverage more quickly.
While it is naturally pest-resistant, Red Creeping Thyme may occasionally experience minor issues. Pests include aphids and spider mites, while diseases are typically limited to root rot caused by excess moisture or poor soil drainage.
Yes, it is an excellent alternative to grass in areas with light foot traffic. It forms a dense, weed-suppressing carpet, requires minimal water, and brings seasonal color with its flowers.
Once established, Red Creeping Thyme needs little attention. Water only during prolonged dry spells, trim after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage fresh growth, and apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme, Creeping Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 2" - 4" (5cm - 10cm) |
Spread | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
Hardiness |
5 - 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme, Creeping Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
Height | 2" - 4" (5cm - 10cm) |
Spread | 8" - 1' (20cm - 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Thymus Coccineus Group (Red Creeping Thyme) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thymus Coccineus Group (Red Creeping Thyme) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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