Thymus serpyllum
Mother-of-Thyme, Creeping Thyme
Description
This evergreen ground cover needs full sun to light shade. It grows to 3" tall, forming a dense, thick mat. It needs well-drained, light soil. Creeping Thyme is considered drought tolerant. The foliage is dark green and slightly hairy. It has a pleasant, minty fragrance when crushed, though not considered for culinary uses. Flowers are lilac purple and bloom in the summer. It attracts bees and butterflies.
Plant Type
Ground cover, Perennial, Herb
Height Range
Under 1'
Flower Color
Purple
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Loam
Soil Condition
Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fragrance
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Patio, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Lawn Substitute, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.