Thymus serpyllum
Lamiaceae
Common name: wild thyme, creeping thyme
Leaf: aromatic, very tiny, opposite, oval-rounded, pubescent, glossy blue-green leaves up to 1/4” long, forming a flat foliage mat to 2-3” tall which will spread over time by rooting stems to 12-18” wide, not the culinary thyme
Flower: Dense inflorescences (mostly found on terminal but sometimes axillary) of tiny, tubular, bell-shaped, labiate, deep pink to purple flowers appear in summer (June-September) on erect flowering stems rising 2-4” tall. Flowers are attractive to bees.
Habit: prostrate, creeping, woody perennial, groundcover
Form: flat to the ground
Height: 0.25'- 0.25'; Spread: 0.25'- 1'
Culture: Best grown in sandy, gritty or rocky soil in full sun. This allows for sharp drainage, which is was it needs. Drought tolerant. Does not like wet soils, where the fine roots can get roots rot. In areas with milder winters, it can even be evergreen. USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Pruning in the spring can promote denser growth, if not done, the plant can get leggy and woody, with "bald patches". If plants do become densely woody, it is best to divide them. Propagation is most effective with stem cuttings or division, less effective by seed. *Not good for in-between pavers.
Thymus pseodolanuginosus (a.k.a. 'woolly thyme') is the most used for in-between pavers and stone, with fuzzy leaves. Prune it back every spring to keep it tight and dense, otherwise it gets leggy over the stones.
Uses: as a groundcover in a low foot traffic area, in a rock garden, as an edge, in containers, even as a lawn substitute in a low foot traffic area. Can also be used in containers. A great filler.
Origin: Northern Europe
Flower: Dense inflorescences (mostly found on terminal but sometimes axillary) of tiny, tubular, bell-shaped, labiate, deep pink to purple flowers appear in summer (June-September) on erect flowering stems rising 2-4” tall. Flowers are attractive to bees.
Habit: prostrate, creeping, woody perennial, groundcover
Form: flat to the ground
Height: 0.25'- 0.25'; Spread: 0.25'- 1'
Culture: Best grown in sandy, gritty or rocky soil in full sun. This allows for sharp drainage, which is was it needs. Drought tolerant. Does not like wet soils, where the fine roots can get roots rot. In areas with milder winters, it can even be evergreen. USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Pruning in the spring can promote denser growth, if not done, the plant can get leggy and woody, with "bald patches". If plants do become densely woody, it is best to divide them. Propagation is most effective with stem cuttings or division, less effective by seed. *Not good for in-between pavers.
Thymus pseodolanuginosus (a.k.a. 'woolly thyme') is the most used for in-between pavers and stone, with fuzzy leaves. Prune it back every spring to keep it tight and dense, otherwise it gets leggy over the stones.
Uses: as a groundcover in a low foot traffic area, in a rock garden, as an edge, in containers, even as a lawn substitute in a low foot traffic area. Can also be used in containers. A great filler.
Origin: Northern Europe
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| T. serpyllum |
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| Thymus pseudolanuginosus |
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| T. serpyllum |
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