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Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)

Creeping Thyme, Wild Thyme, Breckland Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Wholly Thyme

Creeping Thyme, Wild Thyme,  Breckland Thyme, Drought tolerant perennial, seaside plant, aromatic perennial, fragrant perennial
Creeping Thyme, Wild Thyme,  Breckland Thyme, Drought tolerant perennial, seaside plant, aromatic perennial, fragrant perennial
Creeping Thyme, Wild Thyme,  Breckland Thyme, Drought tolerant perennial, seaside plant, aromatic perennial, fragrant perennial

Primarily used as a ground cover, Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic shrub forming a low cushion of tiny, pointed, glossy blue-green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. Blooming profusely from early to mid-summer, it features clusters of tiny, deep pink-purplish flowers. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies. Although the leaves are aromatic, they are rarely used in cooking. Evergreen in mild winters

  • Grows up to 3 in. tall (8 cm) and will spread over time by rooting stems to 12 in. (30 cm).
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in moderately fertile, average to dry, alkaline to neutral, well-drained soils. Poor soil, salt, and drought tolerant.
  • Excellent ground cover or filler between stepping stones, where it releases its fragrance when trodden on. Provides an interesting texture to pathways. Perfect for edging, it also adds character to rock gardens where it will beautifully sprawl over small rocks. Great for containers too!
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer and rabbit resistant
  • Cut back as necessary to maintain plant appearance.
  • Propagate by seed or division, in spring. Semi-hardwood cuttings may be taken in mid- to late-summer, although some bottom heat may be required
  • Native to Europe, Western Asia and Northern Africa.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 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 Wild Thyme, Thyme, Creeping Thyme
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2" - 3"
(5cm - 8cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 18"
(15cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Thymus Coccineus Group (Red Creeping Thyme)
Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ (Creeping Thyme)
Thymus pulegioides ‘Aureus’ (Golden Large Thyme)
Thymus citriodorus ‘Doone Valley’ (Lemon Thyme)
Thymus ‘Silver Queen’ (Lemon Thyme)
Thymus vulgaris (Common Thyme)

Recommended Companion Plants

Gaillardia x grandiflora ‘Arizona Sun’ (Blanket Flower)
Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oat Grass)
Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’ (Siberian Iris)
Sedum ‘Herbstfreude’ (‘Autumn Joy’)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 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 Wild Thyme, Thyme, Creeping Thyme
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2" - 3"
(5cm - 8cm)
Spread 10" - 1'
(25cm - 30cm)
Spacing 6" - 18"
(15cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Thymus (Thyme)
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Thymus (Thyme)
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