Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme)
Creeping Thyme, Wild Thyme, Breckland Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Wholly Thyme
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.
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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 | Thymus - Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 6" – 18" (15cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Flower Garden, Shutterstock, 123rf, Lankford Associates
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.
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 | Thymus - Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 2" – 3" (5cm – 7cm) |
Spread | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 6" – 18" (15cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Salt |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |