If you’re looking for a tough, fragrant, and beautiful ground cover, creeping thyme is a perfect choice. This article will guide you through the best types of creeping thyme for ground cover gardens, helping you pick the right one for your space.
These low-growing perennials form dense mats of foliage, smothering weeds and thriving in poor soil where grass struggles. They offer a cascade of color when in bloom and release a lovely scent when brushed against. Let’s look at the key varieties that can solve your landscaping challenges.
Types Of Creeping Thyme – For Ground Cover Gardens
Not all creeping thymes are the same. Some are prized for there flowers, others for vibrant foliage. Choosing the right type depends on your climate, soil, and the look you want. Here are the primary categories and standout cultivars.
1. Woolly Thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus)
This variety is easily recognized by its soft, fuzzy, gray-green leaves. It forms a dense, flat carpet that feels wonderful underfoot. Woolly thyme is less focused on flowering, producing only sparse pink blooms.
- Best For: Planting between stepping stones or in rock gardens.
- Key Trait: Excellent drought tolerance and unique texture.
- Note: It prefers excellent drainage and can suffer in humid conditions.
2. Mother-of-Thyme (Thymus praecox)
This is a classic group with many popular cultivars. It’s known for its vigorous, hardy nature and prolific flowering. The stems root as they spread, quickly covering bare ground.
- Popular Cultivars:
- ‘Coccineus’: Known for its stunning mass of magenta-red flowers.
- ‘Albiflorus’: Offers a carpet of pure white flowers.
- ‘Pink Chintz’: Features soft pink flowers and slightly hairy foliage.
3. Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
While some can be upright, creeping forms exist. These are cherished for their bright, citrus-scented leaves, which can be green or variegated. The fragrance is released with every step.
- Best For: Sensory gardens or where you want foliage interest.
- Popular Creeping Pick: ‘Archer’s Gold’ has vibrant golden-yellow leaves that stay colorful all season.
4. Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Also called Breckland thyme, this species is incredibly hardy and adaptable. It tends to have a slightly more upright habit compared to woolly thyme but still makes an excellent ground cover. It’s flowers are typically shades of purple or pink.
- Best For: Cold climates and poor, sandy soils.
- Popular Cultivar: ‘Magic Carpet’ is a standout, with tiny dark green leaves and a profusion of crimson flowers.
How to Choose the Right Creeping Thyme
With so many options, consider these factors before you buy. Your local garden center will likely stock varieties suited to your area, which is a good starting point.
- Climate & Hardiness: Most thrive in USDA zones 4-9, but always check the specific plant’s range. Woolly thyme dislikes wet winters, while wild thyme handles cold best.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is non-negotiable for health and flowering. At least 6 hours of direct sun is required.
- Foot Traffic: While tolerant of occasional walking, no thyme is as tough as turf grass. For pathways, choose resilient types like woolly thyme or ‘Pink Chintz’.
- Color Palette: Decide if you want the flower show (opting for a praecox cultivar) or focus on foliage (choosing woolly or lemon thyme).
Planting and Establishing Your Thyme Cover
Getting your thyme started correctly is simple and ensures a healthy, spreading mat. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Site Preparation
Clear the area of all existing weeds and grass. This is the most critical step, as thyme seedlings cannot compete with established weeds. Loosen the soil to about 6-8 inches deep, mixing in some coarse sand or grit if your soil is heavy clay to improve drainage.
Step 2: Planting Layout
Space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart. This allows room for growth while encouraging them to fill in the gaps within a growing season or two. Dig a small hole, place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface, and backfill.
Step 3: Initial Care
Water the new plants thoroughly after planting. Continue to water regularly for the first few weeks until they are established. After that, they will be remarkably drought-resistant. A light mulch of small gravel can help suppress weeds and keep foliage dry.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Creeping thyme is famously low-maintenance, but a little attention keeps it looking its best. The main tasks are simple and infrequent.
- Watering: Once established, water only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering is a common mistake and can cause root rot.
- Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizer. Rich soil encourages leggy, weak growth. These plants thrive on neglect in nutrient-poor conditions.
- Weeding: Hand-pull any weeds that appear until the thyme forms a closed carpet, which will naturally block most weeds.
- Pruning/Shearing: After the main flowering period ends, lightly shear the plants by about one-third. This removes spent blooms, encourages fresh new growth, and prevents the center from becoming to woody.
Common Problems and Solutions
Creeping thyme is generally pest-free, thanks to its aromatic oils. However, a couple of issues can occasionally arise.
- Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Ensure soil is gritty and let it dry between waterings. If an area dies out, replace the soil and replant.
- Spider Mites: Can occur in hot, dry dust. A strong spray of water from the hose usually dislodges them.
- Woody Centers: As plants age, the center stems may become bare. Prevent this by regular shearing after bloom. If it happens, you can dig up the plant in spring, divide it, and replant the healthy outer pieces.
FAQ: Your Creeping Thyme Questions Answered
How fast does creeping thyme spread?
Most varieties will spread to fill their space within 1-2 growing seasons. A single plant can often cover about a square foot per year under good conditions.
Can I walk on a creeping thyme lawn?
Yes, you can walk on it occasionally. It’s perfect for a garden path you use now and then. But it won’t hold up to daily, heavy foot traffic like a backdoor step.
Does creeping thyme stay green in winter?
In milder climates, the foliage often persists but may take on a bronze or gray hue. In colder zones, it will die back and go dormant, returning fresh in spring.
How do I start creeping thyme between pavers?
Plant small plugs or seedlings into the gaps, ensuring there’s at least a few inches of soil beneath them. Water carefully until established. Woolly thyme and ‘Elfin’ thyme are excellent compact choices for this.
Is creeping thyme attractive to pollinators?
Absolutely. When in bloom, the flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a fantastic eco-friendly garden choice.
Choosing the right types of creeping thyme for ground cover gardens opens up a world of low-care, high-impact landscaping. By selecting a variety suited to your specific site and following the simple planting steps, you’ll create a resilient, fragrant, and beautiful garden feature that gives back year after year with minimal effort from you.