Creeping thyme, Thymus, is an aromatic, creeping, mat-forming evergreen with tiny, ¼ inch (6mm) leaves. Small ½ inch (12mm) rose-purple flowers bloom in clusters atop 4-inch (210cm) stems in summer.
Get to Know Creeping Thyme
- Plant type: Perennial summer-flowering groundcover
- Growing Zones and range: 5-9
- Hardiness: Tender
- Height and width: 4”- 8” tall, 8”- 12” wide
- Foliage: Very small ¼ inch leaves elongated heart-shaped
- Flowers: Pink and white
- Bloom time: Spring and summer
- Uses: Groundcover, rock garden, drought-tolerant, attracts bees
- Botanical name: Thymus spp.
- Common name: Creeping Thyme
Where to Plant Creeping Thyme
- Plant creeping thyme in full sun; planting in part shade is best in hot climates.
- Grow creeping thyme in light, loose, well-drained alkaline soil.
- Creeping thyme grows well in hot, dry, alkaline soil.
When to Plant Creeping Thyme
- Set creeping thyme in the garden in spring or fall.
Planting and Spacing Creeping Thyme
- Space creeping thyme 8 to 12 inches apart.
How to Water and Feed Creeping Thyme
- Creeping thyme needs moderate moisture; keep the soil evenly moist. Established plants are drought tolerant.
- Creeping thyme does not need fertilizer.
Creeping Thyme Care
- Cut plants back to an inch or two in they become too tall or messy.
Creeping Thyme Propagation
- Sow seed in containers in spring.
- Divide in spring or take a cutting to root in late spring.
Creeping Thyme Varieties to Grow
- Some varieties have silver or gold variegated leaves
- Thymus x citriodorus, lemon-scented thyme, lemon-scented mid-green leaves; pale lavender flowers in summer.
- Thymus serphyllum, mother of thyme, trailing stems; purple flowers; several cultivars include ‘Elfin’ which forms dense mounds.
- Thymus vulgaris, common thyme, cushion-forming, gray-green leaves; purple to white flowers in summer.
