Pink Chintz Thyme, Creeping Thyme 'Pink Chintz', Wild Thyme 'Pink Chintz', Breckland Thyme 'Pink Chintz', Mother of Thyme 'Pink Chintz', Wholly Thyme 'Pink Chintz'
Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’, commonly known as Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme, is a fast-spreading, aromatic, perennial sub-shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, this early-blooming cultivar is valued for its soft, fuzzy foliage and profusion of salmon-pink flowers. While it belongs to the same species as other creeping thymes, ‘Pink Chintz’ stands out for its tolerance to poor soils and drought, and its ability to create a low, textured mat of fragrant foliage. Unlike Thymus vulgaris, which is commonly used in cooking, Pink Chintz Thyme is grown primarily for ornamental appeal.
Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme shares the broader native range of the species, thriving across temperate parts of Europe and western Asia. It excels in dry, sunny areas with sandy or rocky soil.
This thyme forms a low, spreading mat of foliage, growing 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in height and spreading 12–18 inches (30–45 cm). It hugs the ground and fills gaps quickly, making it suitable for ground cover and between pavers.
‘Pink Chintz’ blooms in early to mid-summer, often before other thyme varieties. It produces clusters of tiny, salmon-pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies. The early bloom time extends the pollinator season and brings cheerful color to the spring garden.
Its tiny, gray-green leaves are fuzzy and aromatic when brushed or crushed. The dense, semi-evergreen foliage provides year-round interest in mild climates and forms a lush carpet that suppresses weeds.
Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme tolerates cold winters, heat, and drought. In colder climates, it may brown slightly in winter but bounces back with new spring growth.
Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Pink Chintz supports pollinators, especially early-season bees and butterflies. Its extended bloom time contributes to a biodiverse garden.
Once established, it thrives with minimal watering. Excellent for dry gardens and slopes.
The aromatic oils in the leaves deter 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.
Pink Chintz Thyme is non-invasive but spreads efficiently in well-drained, sunny areas.
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, Plant of Merit, 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, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard |
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, Plant of Merit, 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, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard |
How many Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Creeping Thyme) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (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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