Where to plant:Ī site that receives full sun (at least 6 hours daily) is best for optimal flowering, but plants will also tolerate light shade. Avoid planting during the heat of the summer, when it’s difficult for plants to become established. In spring, after the threat of frost has passed, or in early fall. Common thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is a better choice for culinary purposes. Special attributes:Īlthough both the flowers and leaves are edible, they are generally not used for cooking because the fragrance and flavor are inconsistent. Though it can spread quickly once established, creeping thyme is not invasive and easy to manage. The stems take root where they come in contact with the soil, with new shoots forming at the point where rooting occurs. Method of spreading:īy trailing stems that sprawl out horizontally from a central root system. Often semi-evergreen or evergreen in areas with mild winters. May be dark green, olive green, or gray-green, depending on the cultivar. Slightly hairy and elliptical, growing to 1/4 inch in length. Usually in shades of pink or purple, although some cultivars have red or white blooms. Star- or bell-shaped, measuring about 1/8 inch across. However, they should flower prolifically the following spring. Plants may not flower during their first growing season because they will be focusing all their energy on root development. Late spring to early summer, with the blooms lasting for 3 to 4 weeks. Plants may be slightly taller when in bloom.
On this page: Basics | Planting | Care | Pictures | Landscaping IdeasĬreeping thyme, mother of thyme, wild thyme Plant type:ġ to 4 inches tall, spreading up to 18 inches. As a bonus, creeping thyme creates a colorful floral carpet in late spring, when it bursts into a profusion of dainty pink or purple flowers. Not only does this drought-tolerant perennial require much less water than traditional turf grass, it also spreads quickly to fill in bare spots. If you’ve only thought of thyme as a plant for the herb garden, you may be surprised to discover that there are also several creeping varieties valued more for their ornamental attributes than their culinary qualities.įorming a dense, ground-hugging mat of tiny evergreen leaves, creeping thyme is ideal for use as a foot-friendly groundcover to fill gaps between stepping stones and patio pavers, where the foliage will release its heady herbal scent whenever you tiptoe through it.īecause of its ability to withstand moderate foot traffic, creeping thyme can also be used as an easy-care lawn substitute, especially on sunny hillsides and slopes. I see little pieces of thyme growing in places all over my garden.Red creeping thyme. It can spread like crazy if you are not careful. It only gets about 6 inches high and has kind of minty, woodsy fragrance.īecause it is a perennial it comes back every year, but I can see how people use creeping thyme as a ground cover. I also use it when cooking many chicken dishes as it adds such wonderful flavor. I have a row of thyme planted in my garden and love the smell of this herb. It is easy to grow, just buy a packet of seeds, and you will have some fresh thyme in no time. I like to grow thyme on my window sill because it is one herb that does not get so tall and overgrown as many others do.
It adds a very distinct flavor and the lemon really helps balance out the herbal scent. If you like tea and want to try an interesting drink, plant some lemon thyme, and then put some of the leaves in your tea. There are other walk-on-me plants too, but I know for sure they have ones that are thyme. I have some bare spots that I want to cover up and do not want to use mulch, so thought something like this would be perfect. I have not tried them yet, but have been interested in buying some and have read about them in several gardening magazines. You can plant these perennial ground covers and they will actually grow better when they are walked on. I have a flower garden in the front of my house and am looking to buy some walk-on-me thyme plants. What Are Ideas for Cooking Chicken with Thyme?.What Are the Best Tips for Cooking with Thyme?.
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