Creeping thyme is a versatile groundcover, appreciated for its low-growing habit and aromatic foliage. It creates a lush, living carpet, adding visual appeal and a pleasant fragrance to outdoor spaces. This plant is a popular choice for gardeners seeking texture and interest without extensive upkeep.
Defining Characteristics of Creeping Thyme
Creeping thyme varieties share common attributes that contribute to their popularity as groundcovers. These plants exhibit a low-growing, mat-forming habit, spreading horizontally to create a dense carpet of foliage. Once established, they are drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Their small leaves release a distinct, pleasant aroma when brushed against or walked upon. Creeping thyme prefers full sun and thrives in well-draining soil.
Common Varieties of Creeping Thyme
Woolly Thyme
Woolly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) is distinguished by its soft, fuzzy, gray-green foliage. This variety forms a flat, dense mat, growing no more than 0.5 inches tall. Its tiny, pale pink flowers are often inconspicuous, appearing sporadically during summer. Woolly thyme is well-suited for rock gardens or planting between pavers, benefiting from its unique texture and exceptional drought tolerance.
Red Creeping Thyme
Red creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’) is valued for its vibrant floral display. It produces an abundance of striking magenta or reddish-purple flowers, creating a dense carpet of color from late spring to early summer. This vigorous variety grows as a mat-forming sub-shrub, reaching about 2-3 inches in height. Its tolerance for light foot traffic makes it a frequent choice for pathways, stepping stones, and colorful groundcover areas.
Elfin Thyme
Elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’) is one of the most diminutive creeping thyme varieties. It forms an extremely low, cushion-like mat of tiny, emerald-green leaves, growing only 1-3 inches tall. This compact, dense growth habit makes it ideal for tight spaces, intricate designs, or filling crevices between paving stones. Subtle lavender-pink flowers appear in clusters during summer, adding a delicate touch to its fine texture.
White Creeping Thyme
White creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Albus’) features pure white flowers, offering a bright, contrasting display. This variety forms a ground-hugging mat of deep emerald-green leaves, spreading vigorously up to 20 inches wide. When it blooms in summer, it creates the appearance of a continuous white carpet. Its robust spreading nature makes it suitable for larger areas needing a uniform, bright groundcover.
Mother of Thyme
Mother of Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a foundational species from which many creeping thyme cultivars originate. It is a robust, widely adaptable creeping thyme, forming a mat-forming perennial. This species features varying flower colors, often pink to purple, and is known for its strong, fragrant leaves, especially when crushed. Mother of Thyme is a reliable choice for groundcover due to its hardiness and ability to thrive in dry, rocky conditions.
Planting and Care Tips
Planting creeping thyme is best done in spring, after the last frost, or in fall, allowing several weeks before the first hard frost. It flourishes in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-draining soil is important; it prefers sandy, gritty, or rocky conditions and does not tolerate wet or heavy clay.
During establishment, newly planted thyme requires regular watering to help its shallow roots take hold. Once mature, it becomes drought-tolerant, needing infrequent, deep watering only during extended dry periods. Creeping thyme requires minimal fertilization, performing well in lean soil. Occasional light pruning can help maintain its shape, encourage denser growth, and prevent it from becoming overly woody.