Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ (Creeping Thyme)
Creeping Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Wild Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Breckland Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Mother of Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Wholly Thyme 'Magic Carpet'
Primarily used as a ground cover, Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic sub-shrub forming a tight cushion of tiny, rounded, dark green leaves. Blooming profusely from early to mid-summer, it features clusters of tiny, bright magenta-pink 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 1-2 in. tall (2-5 cm) and will spread over time by rooting stems to 12-18 in. (30-45 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 semi-ripe cuttings or softwood cuttings in summer
- 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 |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
1" - 2" (0cm - 10cm) |
| 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, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| 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 |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens
Mizy, Ole Schoener, Shutterstock
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 | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Thymus |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
1" - 2" (0cm - 10cm) |
| 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, Salt, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| 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 |
