Thymus serpyllum , ordinarily call wild thyme , creep thyme or mother - of - thyme , is a hirsute , prostrate , pussyfoot , woody - ground perennial which is primarily grown as an ornamental ground covert . It is aboriginal to Europe , western Asia and northern Africa .
The leaves of creeping thyme are typically oval - shaped and coiffe oppositely along the root . They are minor , measuring approximately 1/4 to 1/2 in in length , and sport a rich green color with a slimly fuzzy texture . The leaves emit a pleasant fragrance when crushed , exhaust the distinct aroma associated with thyme , which is often distinguish as earthy , herbal , and slightly zesty .
Creeping thyme produces slim , tag stems that sprawl along the ground and theme at the nodes , allowing the plant to spread and form a dense lusterlessness . These wiry stems are flexible yet durable , enable crawl thyme to defy light foot dealings without damage . As the plant life matures , the stem may become woody at the alkali while remaining supple and greenish toward the tips , where new ontogeny emerges . Along the stem , clusters of tiny flower seem in tardy bound to early summertime , tot a burst of color to the landscape painting . The efflorescence , which are typically pinkish , empurpled , or white , arise in dense terminal spikes and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies .
The size of it of creeping thyme can alter depending on factors such as growing term , variety , and maintenance practices . Generally , creeping thyme reaches a acme of only a few inches , typically ranging from 2 to 4 inch tall at maturity date . However , its tracking stems can extend outward substantially , covering a substantial area as they root at the client and ranch .
Genus name comes from the Greek wordthymos(name used in ancient Greece for a species ofThymusorSatureja ) . Specific name from Greek means mouse in reference to the drop back growth habit of this metal money .
Numerous cultivars of this coinage have been described , featuring plant of depart sizes ( sneak to upright piano ) , varying flower colors ( white , pinkish , red-faced or empurpled ) , and deviate foliage colors ( dark light-green to gold to variegate ) .
Landscaping Ideas for Creeping Thyme
Stepping Stone Path Borders
Plant creeping thyme along the edges of stepping stone paths to buffer the hardscape and create a charming , fragrant borderline . The low - grow nature of thyme will fill in the gaps between stones beautifully .
Rock Garden Accent
desegregate creeping thyme into rock gardens to provide a easygoing line to the rugged textures of rocks . Plant it in crevices and interruption between rocks , allowing it to cascade over the edge for a natural , organic look .
Slope Stabilization
Utilize creeping thyme on slopes or embankments to help control wearing away . Its drop back habit helps to stabilize filth while leave a adorable rug of greenery .
Ground Cover for Pavers
flora pussyfoot thyme between pavers in patios or walkways . It will produce a lush , low - criminal maintenance background cover that release a pleasant scent when ill-treat on .
Border for Raised bed
delineate the edges of raised garden beds or planters with creeping thyme . This adds a mild , cascade component to the complex body part while also attracting pollinators to nearby vegetables or flowers .
Fairy Garden Accent
Create miniature landscapes or fairy gardens by planting creeping thyme around miniature structures , such as tiny cottage or gnome statue . Its diminutive foliage impart to the magic air .
Living Mulch
Use pussyfoot thyme as a subsist mulch around tree , bush , or garden beds . Its dense growth help oneself repress weeds , retain wet in the territory , and supply a decorative undercoat cover .
hang Basket Filler
Plant fawn thyme in hang baskets alongside other chase after plants like ivy or give chase petunia . Its cascading growing habit will spill over the edge of the basket , creating a lush display .
edge for Herb Gardens
Define the edges of herb garden with creep thyme . Its aromatic foliation complement culinary herbs like rosemary , sage , and sweet basil while providing a practical and attractive border .
Underplanting for Trees
Underplant trees with creeping thyme to create a lush , greenish carpeting beneath the canopy . This not only total optic interest but also help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture in the soil .
How To Grow And Care For Creeping Thyme
Site Selection
take a planting locating that invite full Lord’s Day to partial wraith . sneak thyme boom in well - debilitate dirt with a pH level between 6.0 and 8.0 . It ’s crucial to secure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions , which can lead to base rot .
Planting
Creeping thyme can be propagated from seeds , carving , or nursery - grown plants . If starting from seed , sow them indoors in early bound or directly in the garden after the last frost date . outer space plants about 6 to 12 inches aside to allow for spreading . lightly press seeds into the soil surface and keep them consistently moist until sprouting pass .
Watering
Once established , creeping thyme is moderately drouth - tolerant and choose slenderly dry shape . Water newly planted thyme on a regular basis to help establish a stiff root system . later on , water only during prolonged dry trance or when the soil feels teetotal to the jot . Avoid overwatering , as it can lead to tooth root rot .
fecundation
Creeping thyme is a low - maintenance plant life that generally does n’t require even fertilization . If your soil is pitiful or lacking in nutrient , you may apply a balanced fertilizer in spring , follow the package instructions carefully . However , fend off over - fertilizing , as this can kick upstairs extravagant foliage outgrowth at the disbursement of unfolding .
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning helps to keep grovel thyme tasteful , compact , and encourages dense increment . Trim back any drained or leggy stems in spring or after flowering to keep its configuration . you’re able to also shear the plant lightly after flowering to kick upstairs bushiness and prevent it from becoming woody . Additionally , removing spent flower can prolong the flower point .
Mulchingfor those uprise in container
Applying a thin layer of mulch around creep thyme plant can help keep up soil moisture , suppress weeds , and modulate soil temperature . Use constitutive mulches like shredded bark , compost , or drinking straw , but avoid piling mulch directly against the base , as this can promote decompose .
Winter Protection
In colder climate , creeping thyme may benefit from some winter protection to pull round freeze out temperature . enforce a level of mulch around the plants in late fall to isolate the roots and reduce the risk of Robert Frost heaving . you could also cover the plants with a floating row blanket or burlap if temperature drop significantly .
Pest and Disease Management
Creeping thyme is comparatively resistant to pest and disease , but periodic problem may occur , such as aphid , spider mites , or powdery mold . Monitor plants regularly for star sign of infestation or disease , and address promptly with insecticidal soap or fungicides if necessary . Avoid overhead watering to preclude fungal issues .
