Magic Carpet Thyme, Creeping Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Wild Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Breckland Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Mother of Thyme 'Magic Carpet', Wholly Thyme 'Magic Carpet'
Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’, commonly known as Magic Carpet Creeping Thyme, is a low-growing, aromatic, perennial sub-shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, this popular cultivar is prized for its vivid pink flowers and dense, carpet-forming growth. While it belongs to the same species as other creeping thymes, ‘Magic Carpet’ stands out for its lush floral display and excellent use on slopes, borders, and between stepping stones. Unlike Thymus vulgaris, which is commonly used in cooking, Magic Carpet Thyme is primarily grown for ornamental value.
Magic Carpet Creeping Thyme shares the native range of the species, thriving across temperate parts of Europe and western Asia. It flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil.
This thyme forms a spreading mat of aromatic foliage, growing 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) tall and spreading 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). It forms a dense ground cover that hugs the contours of the soil.
‘Magic Carpet’ blooms from early to mid-summer, producing vibrant magenta-pink flowers in dense clusters. These nectar-rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, and they create a striking floral carpet when in full bloom.
The tiny, evergreen leaves are gray-green and slightly aromatic. The foliage is dense and creates a tidy appearance that remains attractive year-round in mild climates.
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, Magic Carpet Creeping Thyme withstands both hot summers and cold winters. In colder regions, the foliage may brown slightly in winter but revives quickly with spring warmth.
Magic Carpet supports pollinators with its long-lasting flowers. Bees and butterflies are frequent visitors, helping to promote garden biodiversity.
Once established, it thrives in dry, well-drained conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
The aromatic oils in the leaves deter browsing from deer and rabbits.
According to the ASPCA, thyme is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Ingesting large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Magic Carpet is not invasive but spreads efficiently where conditions are favorable.
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) |
Height | 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm) |
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 | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Coastal 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) |
Height | 1" - 2" (3cm - 5cm) |
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 | Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden |
How many Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ (Creeping Thyme) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thymus serpyllum ‘Magic Carpet’ (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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