Use this superstar perennial as a fragrant ground cover or lawn replacement that will delight you with its summer flowers
Creeping thyme ( Thymusspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–9 ) is a worthful addition to almost any garden display . These diminutive perennial are as hardworking as they come , putting up with foot traffic and tough grow circumstance while wait on large welfare to pollinators .
Which species of thyme count as “creeping thyme?”
Several years ago , my colleagues and I decided to redesign one of the presentation gardens at Blithewold Manor , Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol , Rhode Island . One of the central parts of the design was a lawn alternative compile of different potpourri of thyme . However , not all thyme is make equal . In fact , if you are looking for a creeping thyme that will spread out nicely as a ground covert , you want to stick to the pursuit :
or any of the many varieties , subspecies , cross , or cultivars of these two species .
Wooly thyme , antecedently classified asThymus pseudolanuginosus , is now assort asThymus praecoxsubsp.britannicus(Zones 5–9 ) , and also makes a great crawling flat coat concealment .
Among all the industrial plant that originate from these two species , empurpled will be the most plebeian heyday color , but you might also see red , pinkish , or white blossom from unlike variety . Unfortunately , neither of these two mintage is a especially right substitute for culinary thyme ( Thymus vulgaris , Zones 5–9 ) . They are best to be enjoyed by our eyes and noses but not our tastebuds . Learn more about growing fragrant thyme and great cultivar .
Which conditions does creeping thyme prefer, and how large will it get?
pussyfoot thyme prefers sunny and ironical conditions in full Sunday once established . I have found that some fond shade is tolerate , but full shade is detrimental . It can establish a pregnant step if it is felicitous in its localization . Thymus serpyllumis the more enthusiastic grower , with each plant spring up to about a foot wide . As thyme creeps along the land surface , it will send out rootage to help batten its stead . This is beneficial in deterring overflow during pelting consequence , but it also has the added benefit of appropriate us gardeners to procreate our premium of plants ! If you want to move part of your thyme works to a new location , simply snip off the connection to the female parent industrial plant , face-lift the fresh rooted part , and work it to its fresh home .
How do you grow creeping thyme as a lawn alternative?
gentle to grow , well-situated to spread — what else does this lovely industrial plant have to provide ? As I mention at the beginning , creeping thyme is a slap-up choice for a lawn alternative . It can manage some lite fundament traffic and is extremely H2O - fresh once lay down . Since it flowers in summertime , I would take into account the bees space to harvest the pollen during that menstruum . Therefore , if it is a moderately foot - trafficked sphere , interplant thyme among stepping gemstone to allow for space to take the air while the flowers are in bloom so that you do n’t disturb the bloom ’ increase or the pollinators try them . or else , in a larger patch of thyme , you could cut down a walking path through the bloom . See morelawn option for the Southeast .
Do you have to cut back creeping thyme?
Thyme is such a low - maintenance tabby . All it requires for pruning is a light yearly trim - back in late fall or former springiness to ameliorate its overall appearance and to keep the plant from becoming too woody . young growth will bound up from the base .
Can you grow creeping thyme from seed?
If you are the patient type with a adequate home seeding setup , try starting creeping thyme from seed . It is by far the most economical fashion to grow this dearie plant . If your gullible thumb is n’t quick to be so sheer , get with plugs or young plants is going to help oneself you achieve the aspect you need within a originate time of year .
This highly rewarding , low - upkeep plant is a no - brainer if you are considering an easy - care lawn choice or ground screening . However , it looks just as beautiful growing in a garden bed .
To discuss this plant or ask horticulture question , visit with a regional horticulture expert on theGardening Answers forum .
And for more Northeast regional reports , click here .
Betsy Ekholm is the gardens manager at Blithewold Manor , Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol , RI .
pic , unless otherwise noted : Betsy Ekholm
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White creeping thyme (Thymus praecox‘Albiflorus’, Zones 4–9) makes for a lovely, low-growing flowering ground cover that will fill in between stepping stones.
Wooly thyme will often still be sold asThymus pseudolanuginosusin catalogues and online. It’s distinguishable by its fuzzy foliage.Photo: millettephotomedia.com
Thyme will fill in quickly between stepping stones without getting too out of bounds.
Planting thyme plugs close together can allow the plant to fill in completely as a ground cover within one season.
