How fast does creeping thyme grow?
Tip. Creeping thyme grows slowly in the first year after planting, but growth speeds up in its second year. The speed of spread and mature size of each plant varies according to the species.
How much space does creeping thyme need?
Spacing: Plant creeping thyme seeds one inch apart. Once seedlings form, transfer the new plants to their final spot, spacing them eight to twelve inches apart. Sunlight: Creeping thyme thrives in full sun, though it can also do well in partial shade.
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
Appears to have more flowers than foliage during its peak blooms. Covers the ground in color and breaks up all of the green. Is perennial, returning every year and requiring much less maintenance than grass.
Are creeping thyme invasive?
In general, these plants do not reach a height of more than six inches from the ground. These plants don't really have to be invasive as long as you know how to care for them.
Can you walk on creeping thyme?
Thyme Alternative to Grass A creeping thyme lawn is not only drought resistant, but it generally requires much less water than traditional turf grasses too. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, can be walked upon, and will rapidly spread to fill in a space.
When should I plant creeping thyme?
Planting instructions Creeping thyme does best in an area that gets about four hours of sun a day. Planting should be done in late spring or early summer, after the fear of frost has passed. This will allow the roots to establish themselves through the growing season.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
“The creeping thyme does well as a dog-friendly ground cover. Irish Moss, Labrador Violet, Miniature Stonecrop (although invasive, so be careful where you plant it) as well as snow in summer are rather dog-abuse-tolerant and are non-toxic.”
Does thyme spread easily?
Just like all plants, thyme plants spread by growing from one set of leaves to the next. In between the leaves is a stem segment. Some thymes produce sets of leaves very close together while others are spaced further apart. Stem segments grow faster without having to produce tightly knit sets of leaves.
What is the best way to grow creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme plants grow best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade. Creeping thyme plants can become woody over time.
Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?
Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.
Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?
Creeping Thyme Creeping Thyme spreads by sending runners underground that choke out other plants, including weeds. It has a maximum growth height of about four inches, which is considered the ideal height for lawns, and beautiful pink, purple or blue flowers.
Will creeping thyme prevent weeds?
Red creeping thyme adds attractive, deep green color to your landscape throughout spring, but it's most beautiful in summer when it erupts in gorgeous crimson flowers. It really, really chokes out the weeds, forming a thick mat.
What zone does creeping thyme grow in?
Hardiness zone. Creeping thyme grows well in zones 4-10 with little to no intervention. It grows natively in Meditteranean climates, so you can grow it easily if you’re in these zones. Hotter zones will burn the plant, which will directly influence the taste of the harvest for those who plant to use it for consumption.
What does creeping thyme smell like?
Creeping thyme smells like mint and can be used for teas or tinctures. It’s not exclusively a decorative plant. It can be harvested, dried out, and then used for a variety of purposes- everything from drinks to seasoning to essential oil.
When will creeping thyme bloom in 2021?
April 25, 2021. / By Akiko Takahashi. Creeping thyme is a super easy creeping plant that likes to hang close to the soil with goregous tiny flowers and requires minimal care. It’s also known as T. serpyllum, Breckland thyme, breckland wild thyme, elfin thyme, or simply, wild thyme. This perennial can offer your garden plenty ...
How to propagate creeping thyme?
Just give it a few weeks to germinate and you’re on your way. There are three popular methods to propagate it- from seed, transplant, or cuttings. We’ll cover all of them now.
Why do you cut down thyme?
Don’t worry about chopping it down because it actually helps the plant grow. If you see spent flowers or woody stems, prune them back to help bring them back. Even though it feels bad that you’re cutting down your thyme, it actually helps them overall. Regular care helps keep the plant tidy and not overgrown.
When do thyme flowers bloom?
They flower in the spring and summer, which is good for brightening up your yard. This is a thyme plant- an evergreen, hardy plant with some lightly haired leaves and stems. It sticks close to the surface with tiny flowers and will form dense mats of foliage.
Is it bad to overfertilize thyme?
Overfertilization is bad and can make your thyme lose its flavor and aroma, both of which are highly prized upon harvest. Creeping thyme is resilient to small floods, provided it drains. So if it rains often in your zone, it’s OK. But make sure that the water actually finds its way out or else it can harm the plant.
What is a creeping thyme?
Primarily used as a ground cover, Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic shrub forming a low cushion of tiny, pointed, glossy blue-green leaves that turn bronze in the fall.
When do sage leaves bloom?
Blooming profusely from early to mid summer, it features clusters of tiny, deep pink-purplish flowers. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies. Although the leaves are aromatic, they are rarely used in cooking. Evergreen in mild winters.
What is creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme, also known commonly as ‘Mother of Thyme,’ is an easily grown, spreading thyme variety. It is excellent planted as a lawn substitute or among stepping stones or pavers to create a living patio.
How to propagate creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme ground cover can be propagated via stem cuttings or divisions and, of course, can be purchased from the local nursery as either established plantings or seeds. Cuttings from the creeping thyme plant should be taken in the early summer.
Is thymus praecox perennial or annual?
Thymus praecox is a low-growing perennial hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 with fairly minimal requirements. An evergreen with lightly haired foliage, this tiny-growing creeping thyme varietal — rarely over 3 inches or 7.5 cm. — will appear in low, dense mats, which sprawl randomly and quickly fill in areas as a ground cover.
Can creeping thyme grow in wet soil?
Soil should be kept moist but not wet, as the growing creeping thyme plant is susceptible to root drowning and edema.
Is creeping thyme edible?
Just like other thyme varieties, creeping thyme is edible with a flavor and aroma akin to mint when crushed or steeped for teas or tinctures. To harvest creeping thyme ground cover, either remove the leaves from the stems or dry them by snipping from the plant and hanging them upside down in a dark, well-aerated area.
How big does creeping thyme grow?
Here are some other interesting facts about creeping thyme: Most varieties reach two to six inches in height and spread six to 18 inches wide. Their flowers appear during the late spring to early summer and last for a few weeks. Can withstand foot traffic and prevent weeds from sprouting.
What is creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial ground cover that is easy to grow and maintain in the right conditions . Also known as “mother of thyme,” it is available in several different varieties that differ in height and width, flower color, and temperature requirements. All of the plants feature tiny oval shaped leaves that beautifully fill in spots between bricks and flagstones, trail down from stone walls, and blanket lawns and properties with colorful purple, white or red flowers when they bloom in late spring and early summer. Here are some other interesting facts about creeping thyme:
Do creeping thyme need water?
The creeping thyme’s greatest watering need comes when it is first planted. The soil beneath them needs to be kept moist in order to encourage their roots to get established. Though the shallowness of their root system means that they can dry out easily, the plants are able to withstand dehydration once they are mature.
Is creeping thyme a good plant for spider mites?
Creeping thyme is most vulnerable to root rot and botrytis rot, especially if it is planted in an area where drainage is less than optimal. Impacted areas should be removed and discarded. The plant’s scent attracts helpful insects like honey bees, but is also enticing to aphids and spider mites. These insects are best controlled with insecticidal soaps and Neem oil.
How tall is thyme?
A shrub, thyme, depending on the variety, can be anywhere from 2 to 15 inches tall, although it is usually 6 to 15 inches in height. English thyme grows to about 8 inches, but in all cases, it can be cut down to encourage bushier growth or to keep it under control. Thymus vulgaris has gray-green leaves on stems that are four-sided and wiry. During the early summer, thyme will flower, with the blossoms coming out in clusters of white, lilac and pink blooms.
What is thyme shrub?
Gardening. By Benjamin Shorter. A small shrub, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 2 thorough 9, and is a fragrant, bushy plant that can be used dried or fresh in cooking. While English thyme (Thymus vulgaris "Narrowleaf English") is most commonly associated with cooking, ...
How to harvest thyme?
Thyme leaves can be picked as needed. If you want, snip off whole stems or branches if you need large quantities of fresh thyme. The leaves can then be stripped off of the branches, or left on and used as is. Thyme dries well, and it is recommended to harvest the branches just as the plants are starting to bloom. Twice during the growing season, cut the thyme back to a height of 3 inches to encourage the herb to grow as vigorously as possible.
Can thyme grow in wet soil?
While thyme can survive below freezing temperatures if it is well established, it does not generally grow well in cold or wet soil.
Can you pick thyme leaves?
Thyme leaves can be picked as needed. If you want, snip off whole stems or branches if you need large quantities of fresh thyme. The leaves can then be stripped off of the branches, or left on and used as is. Thyme dries well, and it is recommended to harvest the branches just as the plants are starting to bloom.
Creeping Thyme Care
Although it’s drought tolerant, creeping thyme benefits from regular watering in the hot summer months. Cut stems back to the base in the fall after all chance of frost has passed in your area, and fertilize once in early spring before new growth begins.
Maintenance
Moderate. Cut back after first flowering to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Divide every 2-3 years in spring or fall for propagation or increased vigor. Creeping thyme is shallow rooted so it’s sensitive to drought conditions but also easily pulled up if necessary
Pests & Diseases
Relatively pest free although aphids can be an issue on young plants occasionally, Thymus serphyllum “Aureus” has attractive gold foliage that may attract pests like mealy bugs or spider mites.
Types of Creeping Thyme
Common thyme, Thymus vulgaris , is a small herb with a strong scent and grayish green leaves. It’s an ornamental ground cover for short distances along walls or in rock gardens, but not usually as a lawn substitute because the flower stalks tend to sprawl. It grows 8-12″ tall and has lavender flowers on upright stems in summer.
Pruning
Creeping thyme is cut back after the first flowering to encourage more flowers and a bushier growth habit. It’s best not to prune during hot summer months, but wait until the plant begins growing again in late autumn. If thyme gets a little scraggly looking in spring, give it a hard trim down to encourage new growth.
How to Grow Creeping Thyme From Seed
Not much to it. Sow about ¼” seed depth and keep evenly moist until germination which takes 10-14 days at 65°F. Transplant directly to garden about 8 weeks after sowing or grow in pots and transplant when large enough to handle. Clip back flower stalks as they appear after the first flowering to encourage a heavier second bloom if desired.
How to Get Creeping Thyme to Bloom
Besides its many ornamental uses as a ground cover between flagstones, creeping thyme is often grown in hanging baskets. It blooms throughout the summer and makes a nice addition to plantings around patios or walkways where it can spill over rocks or other features. Creeping thymes prefer full sun but will also grow in partial shade.
What is creeping thyme?
Most notably in the garden, creeping thyme’s greatest function is to work as an aromatic, pollinator-attracting ground cover. These are excellent companion plants for vegetable gardeners to utilize, and they can serve to smooth out any harsh corners in hardscaping.
Where did the name Thyme come from?
The name thyme is derived from the Greek word “thumos,” meaning smoke. This reference is most likely associated with the sacred practice of burning the herb as incense. It was also used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming, and by ancient Roman soldiers to invigorate courage.
How to grow a sage plant?
Select a sunny planting area with well-draining soil. Prep the site by weeding and smoothing out soil clumps. Sow seeds directly, or plant starts. Water seeds daily until germination occurs. Give each plant ample room to grow. Provide regular watering as plants mature, slowly easing up on irrigation.
What is the mother of thyme?
Come summertime, lavender-pink blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other friendly pollinators. Also known as mother of thyme, T. praecox is one of about 350 species in the Thymus genus — all aromatic herbaceous perennials native to the temperate Mediterranean climate found in parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
How does thyme mulch work?
They function as a living mulch by shading the soil, suppressing weeds, and conserving water. All of this helps to build topsoil and prevent erosion. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting a ground cover. Cue creeping thyme!
What is the smell of thymus praecox?
Thymus praecox. A sweet smell of earthy, herby goodness wafts through the air, welcoming you into the garden. One step forward leads you onto a low-growing mat of spicy, lilac-flowering thyme. Have no fear, Thymus praecox, aka creeping thyme, can handle a little foot traffic, releasing its sweet perfume in return, ...
How tall is Albiflorus?
‘Albiflorus’. With a mature height of just two to three inches and a spread of one to two feet, it is ideal for planting in between paving stones or in rock gardens.
What zone does creeping thyme grow in?
Grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9, although some varieties do better in warmer climates. Creeping thyme isn't just for replacing grass or filling in space in a walkway. It can be used in container gardens where it will eventually spill over the edges of the container.
How to reproduce creeping thyme?
Reproducing. Most creeping thyme plants are easily reproduced via division or propagation. Thyme is a carpeter, so it sends down more stems into the ground as it expands. Small chunks of it can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere, and those will usually continue expanding in their new home.
What is the difference between Mediterranean thyme and red thyme?
Mediterranean Creeping Thyme: This plant produces lots of deep pink flowers in big clusters. It spreads up to 18 inches, grows best in full sun, and attracts plenty of butterflies and bees. Red Creeping Thyme: Also referred to as coccineus, this thyme can be identified by magenta flowers.
How to prevent weeds from growing on thyme?
To avoid any competition, put mulch around the base of the thyme plugs, leaving a bare area around the stem, three inches in diameter. Reapply mulch yearly as needed.
How to protect creeping thyme from winter?
You don’t need to prune it, but to protect it as much as possible you can cover it with sand or gravel over the winter. Make sure the area has good drainage and some kind of cover to preserve as much of the plant as possible for the following year. If these overwintering tactics are not working, you can always consider treating your thyme as an annual plant and replanting each year.
What is the best ground cover?
There are quite a few varieties to choose from, but one of the best options is creeping thyme, also called “mother of thyme,” a low-growing relative of the herb. It is characterized by tiny oval shaped leaves and flowers.
Is creeping thyme edible?
Has tiny, hair-covered oval leaves with similarly-sized flowers that grow in clumps. Although it is not often harvested, creeping thyme, like any thyme variety, is edible and can be made into teas or other herbal remedies.
Characteristics
Features
- Related to the edible herbs, creeping thymes are also aromatic. They are principally grown for the fine texture of the leaves as they spread out to softly blanket the ground, but they also produce flowers of various colors, depending on type. The flowers usually appear late spring and early summer. Spicy orange thyme, creeping lemon thyme and caraway thyme all bear pink blooms a…
Overview
- Thyme is an indigenous plant in Eurasia but has naturalized in parts of North America. Butterflies and bees are drawn to this herb. Noting how attractive bees find these plants, Botanical.com writes that:
Uses
- A versatile plant, creeping thyme it has four primary uses: Herbalists have long known of thyme's medicinal qualities, using it as an antiseptic. Listerine contains a compound called, \"Thymol,\" which is derived from thyme. As an herb, thyme is used to flavor not only meats but also soups and stews, olives and olive oil, breads, and desserts. If you will be growing thyme for culinary pur…
Cultivation
- Creeping thyme plants generally stay short and can be effective ground covers. Some people go as far as using them as grass alternatives. A more common use for them is as a ground cover to fill in the spaces between stepping stones, although caraway thyme may be too aggressive for this purpose. Wooly thyme, which has silvery foliage, may be a better choice in tight areas. This …
Management
- Creeping thyme plants can become woody over time. If woody stems begin to dominate, you may want to remove and replace the plants. Strongly pruning back the plants may rejuvenate growth.
Risks
- There are very few problems to anticipate with creeping thyme, although they can be susceptible to root rot in soil that is too moist.