Creeping Thyme, Wild Thyme, Breckland Thyme, Mother of Thyme
Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as Creeping Thyme or Wild Thyme, is a low-growing, aromatic, perennial sub-shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to northern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, this hardy ground cover is beloved for its dense, mat-forming growth, fragrant foliage, and profuse pink to purple blooms. Unlike its close relative Thymus vulgaris, which is often used in cooking, Creeping Thyme is more ornamental, though still edible and highly attractive to pollinators.
Aside from creeping thyme, the Lamiaceae family includes other well-known culinary herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint, sage, and oregano.
Creeping Thyme is native to the temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It thrives in rocky hillsides, open woodlands, and sandy meadows, often in dry, sunny conditions with well-drained soil.
Creeping Thyme is a low-growing, spreading sub-shrub with a mat-forming habit. It typically grows 1-3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) tall and spreads 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) or more. Its small, oval leaves are aromatic when crushed, and its soft stems root readily where they touch the ground, making it a superb living mulch.
This thyme produces small, tubular flowers in vibrant shades of pink and purple from late spring to early fall, with the peak bloom occurring from June to August in most temperate climates. These flowers cover the plant in a dense carpet of color and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. typically blooms
The evergreen foliage is tiny, dark green to grayish-green, and often fuzzy or slightly hairy. When walked on or brushed, it releases a pleasant, herbaceous scent, making it ideal for walkways or between stepping stones.
Creeping Thyme is hardy in USDA zones 4–9. It tolerates cold winters, hot summers, and drought once established. In colder climates, the foliage may die back slightly in winter but regrows in spring.
Creeping Thyme is a magnet for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies. Its long blooming period and low-growing habit provide both nectar and shelter for beneficial insects. Butterflies are particularly attracted to its flowers, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-friendly gardens. It also serves as a host plant for the Common Blue butterfly (Polyommatus icarus) and the endangered Large Blue butterfly (Phengaris arion).
Once established, it is drought-tolerant. Ideal for xeriscaping, dry slopes, and gravel gardens, it requires minimal watering in most climates.
Its strong aroma and essential oils make it unpalatable to deer and rabbits, making it a safe choice for wildlife-prone landscapes.
According to the ASPCA, thyme is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. However, thyme oil in large doses may cause mild digestive upset in pets and people.
Not considered invasive, but in optimal conditions, it can spread extensively by rooting at nodes. Contain with edging or plant where it can roam freely.
There are several attractive cultivars of Creeping Thyme, each offering unique foliage color, bloom time, and growth habit. Below are some popular varieties commonly used in gardens and landscapes:
Creeping Thyme is a tough, easy-care ground cover that thrives in sunny, well-drained areas. Here’s how to plant and care for this charming perennial.
Creeping Thyme performs best in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It can grow in partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Excellent drainage is essential. Avoid planting in wet or compacted soils, as this can lead to root rot. In poor soils, you can improve fertility by adding compost before planting or applying a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. In most cases, no fertilizer is needed once established.
Water regularly during the first few months after planting to help roots establish. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once mature, water every 10 days or during long dry spells, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Creeping Thyme is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It prefers dry, open conditions and may struggle in humid areas. If grown in high humidity, increase airflow around the plant and consider adding gravel or coarse sand at the base to keep foliage dry.
Pruning Creeping Thyme is not strictly necessary, but it helps maintain a neat, compact appearance and encourages healthy, vigorous growth. Occasional trimming also prevents the center of the plant from becoming woody or bare over time.
In colder climates, apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch after the first frost to help insulate the roots and maintain soil temperature. For thyme grown in containers, move pots to a sheltered location to avoid damage from freezing or heavy winter rains.
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.
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, Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is edible. Both its leaves and flowers can be used in culinary applications to enhance dishes with aromatic flavor and visual appeal. Its leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavor soups, stews, meats, and herbal teas. While it has a milder flavor than common culinary thyme (Thymus vulgaris), it is still aromatic and useful in the kitchen. The flowers can be added as a garnish to salads for color and a subtle thyme flavor.
Creeping Thyme spreads gradually and typically takes one to two growing seasons to form a dense mat, depending on growing conditions, spacing, and climate. Regular watering during establishment can speed up growth.
The ideal location is a sunny, well-drained area such as a rock garden, slope, or between stepping stones. It thrives in lean, sandy or gravelly soils with minimal competition from taller plants. Raised beds and borders with good airflow also work well.
In mild climates, Creeping Thyme often remains evergreen, with its foliage staying low and close to the ground. In colder regions, it may turn brown or go dormant, but will regrow from the roots in spring. Applying mulch in late fall can help protect the roots during freezing temperatures.
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 | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme, Creeping Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1" - 3" (3cm - 8cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 18" (30cm - 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, Rabbit, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
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 | Perennials, Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme, Creeping Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 1" - 3" (3cm - 8cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" - 18" (30cm - 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, Rabbit, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
How many Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thymus serpyllum (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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