Thymus serpyllum
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Tried and True Recommended by 4 Professionals
Common Name: wild thyme
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Northern Europe
Height: 0.25 feet
Spread: 0.25 to 1 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Description: Deep pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Fragrant
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Deer
Uses: Groundcover, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates drought and poor soils of somewhat low fertility. Loose, sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage are best. Dislikes moist to wet soils where it tends to rot. Cut back stems as necessary to maintain plant appearance or to control growth/spread or limit unsightly woody stem growth. Plants are evergreen in mild winters.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This thyme (sometimes commonly called creeping thyme, wild thyme or mother-of-thyme) is a creeping, woody based perennial which is primarily used as a ground cover. Numerous, thin, somewhat woody stems form a flat mat (2-3" tall) with tiny rounded, glossy blue-green leaves (to 1/4"). Although leaves are aromatic, strength of scent varies according to season and habitat and leaves are usually not considered to be of culinary quality. Clusters of tiny, tubular, deep pink flowers appear in summer. Flowers are attractive to bees.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problem. Susceptible to root rot, particularly in moist, poorly-drained soils.

Garden Uses

Best as a small area ground cover or filler between stepping stones. Will sprawl over small rocks or over ledges in the rock garden.

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