Elfin Thyme, Creeping Thyme 'Elfin', Wild Thyme 'Elfin', Breckland Thyme 'Elfin', Mother of Thyme 'Elfin', Wholly Thyme 'Elfin'
Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’, commonly known as Elfin Creeping Thyme, is a compact, aromatic, perennial sub-shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, this miniature cultivar is prized for its tight, cushion-like growth, fragrant gray-green foliage, and soft lavender-pink flowers. While it belongs to the same species as other Creeping Thymes, ‘Elfin’ stands out for its ultra-low profile and tidy appearance, making it ideal for small spaces and between pavers. Unlike Thymus vulgaris, which is commonly used in cooking, Elfin Thyme is grown mainly for ornamental purposes.
Aside from thyme, the Lamiaceae family includes other well-known culinary herbs such as rosemary, basil, mint, sage, and oregano.
Elfin Creeping Thyme shares the broader native range of the species, thriving across temperate parts of Europe and western Asia. It flourishes in rocky, sun-drenched environments with excellent drainage.
This dwarf thyme forms an extremely low, cushion-like mat of foliage, growing only up to 1–3 inches (2.5–7 cm) in height and spreading 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) over time. Its dense structure makes it perfect for walkways and small garden spaces.
Elfin Thyme blooms in summer with clusters of tiny, bell-shaped lavender-pink flowers. These blossoms sit just above the foliage and attract bees and butterflies. Though subtle, the flowers add soft color and charm to tight spaces.
Its small, rounded leaves are a muted gray-green and aromatic when crushed. Densely packed, they create a soft, evergreen carpet that holds its texture year-round in mild climates. The foliage releases a gentle, herbal scent underfoot.
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, Elfin Creeping Thyme tolerates heat, drought, and winter chill. In colder regions, it may brown in winter but quickly regrows with warmer weather.
Though compact, Elfin Thyme still plays a role in supporting pollinators. Its blooms attract bees and butterflies, and the plant provides shelter for small beneficial insects.
Once established, it thrives with minimal water. Excellent for xeriscaping and dry garden designs.
The fragrant oils in the leaves make Elfin Thyme unappealing to deer and rabbits.
According to the ASPCA, thyme is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Large quantities may still cause minor stomach upset in pets or humans.
Elfin Thyme spreads slowly and is non-invasive. It stays neatly contained in most landscape settings, making it ideal for precise designs.
Looking for a gorgeous, fragrant, low-maintenance ground cover? Creeping Thyme delivers charm, color, and resilience. Whether filling gaps between stones or replacing lawn, this sun-loving herb is a standout performer. Here’s how to grow it with success.
Thyme loves the sun—give it at least six hours of direct light per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, blooming may be reduced without full sunlight.
Well-drained soil is a must. Avoid clay or soggy sites. In poor soil, mix in compost or coarse sand before planting. Once established, Creeping Thyme rarely needs feeding. A touch of organic fertilizer in spring is plenty.
Water consistently after planting until plants are well-rooted. Keep soil moist but never soggy. Once established, water sparingly—just every 10–14 days or during extended dry spells.
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, Creeping Thyme tolerates both heat and cold. In humid climates, improve airflow and avoid overhead watering to prevent disease. Adding gravel at the base can also help keep foliage dry.
Pruning keeps your thyme looking tidy and vigorous. While not essential, it prevents the center from becoming woody and encourages denser growth.
In colder regions, protect roots with a 2–3 inch (5–8 cm) mulch layer after the first frost. Container-grown thyme should be sheltered from freezing temperatures and heavy winter rains to prevent root damage.
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.
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 | Thyme, Creeping Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
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 |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock 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 | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
Genus | Thymus |
Common names | Thyme, Creeping Thyme |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
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 |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’ (Creeping Thyme) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’ (Creeping Thyme) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
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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