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Thymus serpyllum

Mother-of-Thyme, Creeping Thyme

Plant photo of: Thymus serpyllum
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme Editor        Photographer: Linda Engstrom

 

Description

This evergreen groundcover 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. Attractive to 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:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.