Creeping thyme (Thymus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9) is a valuable addition to almost any garden display. These diminutive perennials are as hardworking as they come, putting up with foot traffic and tough growing conditions while serving great benefit to pollinators.
Which species of thyme count as “creeping thyme?”
Several years ago, my colleagues and I decided to redesign one of the display gardens at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. One of the key parts of the design was a lawn alternative composed of different varieties of thyme. However, not all thyme is created equal. In fact, if you are looking for a creeping thyme that will spread nicely as a ground cover, you want to stick to the following:
- Thymus serpyllum (Zones 4–8)
- Thymus praecox (Zones 4–8)
or any of the many varieties, subspecies, crosses, or cultivars of these two species.
Wooly thyme, previously classified as Thymus pseudolanuginosus, is now classified as Thymus praecox subsp. britannicus (Zones 5–9), and also makes a great creeping ground cover.
Among all the plants that originate from these two species, purple will be the most common flower color, but you might also see red, pink, or white blooms from different varieties. Unfortunately, neither of these two species is a particularly good substitute for culinary thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Zones 5–9). They are best to be enjoyed by our eyes and noses but not our tastebuds. Learn more about growing fragrant thyme and great cultivars.
Which conditions does creeping thyme prefer, and how large will it get?
Creeping thyme prefers sunny and dry conditions in full sun once established. I have found that some partial shade is tolerated, but full shade is detrimental. It can establish a significant footprint if it is happy in its location. Thymus serpyllum is the more enthusiastic grower, with each plant growing to about a foot wide. As thyme creeps along the soil surface, it will send out roots to help secure its place. This is beneficial in deterring runoff during rain events, but it also has the added benefit of allowing us gardeners to multiply our bounty of plants! If you want to move part of your thyme plant to a new location, simply snip off the connection to the mother plant, lift the newly rooted section, and bring it to its new home.
How do you grow creeping thyme as a lawn alternative?
Easy to grow, easy to propagate—what else does this lovely plant have to offer? As I mentioned at the beginning, creeping thyme is a great choice for a lawn alternative. It can handle some light foot traffic and is extremely water-wise once established. Since it flowers in summer, I would allow the bees space to harvest the pollen during that period. Therefore, if it is a moderately foot-trafficked area, interplant thyme among stepping stones to allow for space to walk while the flowers are in bloom so that you don’t disturb the flowers’ growth or the pollinators seeking them. Alternatively, in a larger patch of thyme, you could mow a walking path through the flowers. See more lawn alternatives for the Southeast.
Do you have to cut back creeping thyme?
Thyme is such a low-maintenance queen. All it requires for pruning is a light yearly trim-back in late fall or early spring to improve its overall appearance and to keep the plant from becoming too woody. New growth will spring up from the base.
Can you grow creeping thyme from seed?
If you are the patient type with a decent home seeding setup, try starting creeping thyme from seed. It is by far the most economical way to grow this darling plant. If your green thumb isn’t ready to be so bold, starting with plugs or young plants is going to help you achieve the look you want within a growing season.
This extremely rewarding, low-maintenance plant is a no-brainer if you are considering an easy-care lawn alternative or ground cover. However, it looks just as beautiful growing in a garden bed.
To discuss this plant or ask gardening questions, chat with a regional gardening expert on the Gardening Answers forum.
And for more Northeast regional reports, click here.
Betsy Ekholm is the gardens manager at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, RI.
Photos, unless otherwise noted: Betsy Ekholm
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