Its attractive tiny fragrant round leaves remain dark green in color throughout the year. pinit. Wooly thyme can grow up to 6-inches in height, but it’s a … Creeping thyme’s low profile means that it does not require mowing or trimming, and because of its ability to survive regular foot … The Lemon scent does not hold up in cooking as regular Lemon Thyme does. 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. Originally found growing in Mediterranean Europe, its versatility ensured that it would be exported, and it is now found growing throughout the world. Ancient Egyptians used the herb to cure both headaches and nightmares from as early as 1600 B.C. The flowers usually appear late spring and early summer. Some legends suggested a link between thyme and the fairy world, a link that William Shakespeare included in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Open Year-Round. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme is recommended for the following landscape applications; Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. Purple Carpet: This is probably the most-used. It creates a purple carpet that can be walked over, hence its name. It is cherished for its leaves, but does produce some pink to purple flowers in summer. It requires full sun and excellent drainage to perform well in the garden. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. I left a small section of my vegetable garden to grow some herbs and thyme is one of the first ones I choose. Fast spreading creeping thyme ( Thymus serphyllum 'Coccineus', aka Thymus praecox is one of the best low-growing drought tolerant groundcovers for sunny & dry spots. Although used in cooking less frequently than common thyme, creeping thyme is an herb and can be used in food preparation. However, both the leaves and the blossoms can be used as brilliantly colored, fragrant garnish. These seeds germinated quickly and I had small pink blooms that first year. It does not include our entire selection of plants, so be sure to visit our store to see varieties that may not be represented on this list. If you grow your thyme for culinary purposes, you’ll get the most potent flavor from the herbs if you harvest right before the flowers begin to open. In nature, the flowering season is from May to September. The ground cover plants are full of tiny pink clusters of blooms that are attractive to butterflies. As a ground covering plant, creeping thyme is a sturdy, low-maintenance choice, able to thrive in a variety of climates and with varying degrees of sunlight. (207) 622-5965, Store Hours: It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. If you like the scent of lemon, you can even grow lemon thyme which is a perfect combination of lemon and a hint of mint. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies. Woolly Thyme is the most silver leaved of all the Thymes and never blooms, while White Moss Thyme is a lovely chartreuse with little white flowers in late spring. Highland Cream Thyme is our variegated stepping stone filler. Thyme grows as a perennial shrub that is indigenous to the Mediterranean. Creeping thyme is a scented herb native frequently used to add color to a garden or flavor to a recipe. I was happy with how quickly they grew and the next year I was able to divide them and even cover a few more bare spots. It grows 2-3 inches tall and 8-12 inches wide. Either way, they will grow quickly, and if given the space, will spread easily if you are not careful. Raise a lawnmower's cutting blade to its highest setting, which is usually near a 4-inch cutting height. Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. Tweet. As for the flowers themselves, feel free to pinch them off if you like. If you want to get a jump start on the Creeping Thyme ground cover plants, sow the seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. I planted creeping thyme in front of one of my garden benches and along a small stone stairway because I like the smell of thyme. There are more than 50 thyme varieties of thyme and most of them will thrive in Florida. Or, you can leave the flowers for the bees. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. Thyme desires full sun, and it is incredibly drought-tolerant. Red creeping thyme in bloom , Lamiaceae. Woolly Thyme and White Moss Thyme (sometimes called Creeping White Thyme) are also slower growing, very flat and do well between stones where space is cramped. This one doesn't do quite as well in climates that are hot year-round. Creeping thyme’s low profile means that it does not require mowing or trimming, and because of its ability to survive regular foot traffic, it often is used to fill the space between flagstones in a walkway. Wild thyme is a creeping dwarf evergreen shrub with woody stems and a taproot. Another creeping thyme fact is despite its enticing odor, growing creeping thyme ground cover is deer resistant, making it an ideal landscape candidate in areas frequented by them. Wooly thyme grows less than 1 inch above the ground, spreading in a thick, sprawling mat. Some flower very little; others burst into profusions of red, rose, lavender or white. Scented like a Caraway seed, Caraway is one of the few thyme ground covers that has a fragrance. Foliage colors range from silvery gray to dark green. When growing thyme, you need to regularly prune it throughout the years in order to promote a good shape of the herb and encourage continual growth. This is a variety of thyme that grows quite low to the ground. Red creeping thyme and white creeping thyme attain a height similar to these. Not as xeric as some other varieties, this one needs regular moisture. Types with short stems spend less energy spreading and more making leaves and ro… What Are Ideas for Cooking Chicken with Thyme. These are very hardy plants that are easy to grow. Bees are fond of thyme as well, and honey produced using nectar from thyme has a distinct flavor. 3" tall x 18" wide (cutting propagated). Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. I live in near Agency Lake in Chiloquin, OR--zone 4 to 5. Both pink and red creeping thyme also stay short, reaching heights of 4-inches or less. Creeping thyme is a plant that typically does not enjoy high levels of humidity. Creeping thyme thrives in warm temperatures and is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. ), … Thymus praecox is a low-growing creeping thyme that resembles wooly thyme with greener foliage. Small, tubular, pink blooms appear above the leaves, which are covered with dense hair. Do you mean to say that creeping thyme stays green year round in northern climates? Certified organic Ground Cover Thymes for sale at Mountain Valley Growers. The leaves are in opposite pairs, nearly stalkless, with linear elliptic round-tipped blades and untoothed margins. Thyme also has expectorant properties, making it useful for treating congestion. Thyme will bloom with tiny white, lavender or pink flowers. Serphyllum blooms between July and August. As an antiseptic, creeping thyme can be made into a tea to treat a sore throat or used topically to disinfect cuts and scrapes. The ancient Greeks believed that thyme had purifying properties and used it in their temples. Blooming profusely from early to mid summer, it features clusters of tiny, deep pink-purplish flowers. No matter what kind of thyme I have grown I have always had good luck with it - finding it to grow quickly and be very hardy. Neutral: On Jun 9, 2005, CatskillKarma from West Kill, NY wrote: I have a lot of creeping thyme cultivars in my rock garden. Of the two varieties of creeping thyme generally sold as Elfin, serpyllym has the brighter colored flowers which are generally lilac to purple or pink. Related to the edible herbs, creeping thymes are also aromatic. In late spring, it is covered with hot pink blooms that age to soft pink. Most of it is lower than that. Thyme can be used fresh or dried to season a wide variety of meals and is an essential element of cooking styles around the world. This creeping perennial herb makes a beautiful ground cover with deep, lavender-red blooms. Blooms are definitely NOT red/scarlet or any reasonable facsimile thereof (see pic). Humidity. Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Also, can you plant creeping thyme in the fall? Creeping Thyme Choice of White, Red, Purple or Pink 9 pc. Wooly thyme may reach … Bees, and other hungry insects, flock to the flowers during this warm period for nectar and cross-pollination success. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. How to Prune Thyme. I purchased a package of thyme seeds in the spring and planted them as soon as the danger of frost was done. Water creeping thyme plants until the water begins to puddle on the soil surface, and then stop immediately. This one did not do well, but I … When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. Creeping thyme heights vary from 1 to 4 inches with spreads up to 24 inches or more. Creeping thyme ground cover is only 2 - 4 inches high, and it spreads and flowers for most of the summer. Rating: 100 % of 100. It remains green all year and produces pink flowers that blossom through the summer. Although the leaves are aromatic, they are rarely used in cooking. It seems to do best in full sun and can tolerate dry spells without too much problem. Those with long segments between leaves cover ground quickly but end up being much less dense. English Creeping Thyme Choice of White, Red, Purple or Pink 9 pc. It has deep green leaves that are set about a half inch apart along reddish stems. This will stimulate the production of more leaves. I have a flower bed in my front yard where I needed to fill in some empty spaces. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Design your dream garden (we're still shipping)! We are Manchester’s leading garden center. Thyme also is one of the earliest recorded herbal remedies, and it figures heavily in tradition, myth and folklore. Of course, professional medical advice should be sought before treating any serious condition. It is also a butterfly favorite and is sometimes included in our Butterfly Attractor 36 Pack Assortment. I was looking for a fast growing ground cover that would not require much upkeep. It enjoys hot summers and is hardy enough to survive through relatively cold winters. Mountain Valley Growers; Organic Plug Trays; Log in; Your cart. I have a hard time passing by my thyme without pinching off some leaves just to breathe in the woodsy, herbal scent. Spicy orange thyme, creeping lemon thyme and caraway thyme all bear pink blooms and stay short (4 inches or less). A low growing mat reaching only 1 tall. The best time to plant thyme in Florida is early spring. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. 81 Puddledock Rd Creeping thyme has been used to treat colic. I am constantly in this flower bed doing some weeding, and they seem to be able to handle quite a bit of abuse, and they just keep on growing and blooming. Another advantage of growing any kind of thyme is their strong fragrance. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. These plants, shown here, stand about 7 cm (3 inches) tall. Open Daily It has been used to treat whooping cough, colic and bronchitis as well. You can even get a head start and plant them inside earlier and just place the plants in your garden in the spring. Out of stock. Other Names:  Mother-of-Thyme, Creeping Thyme, A highly desirable and popular groundcover, forming a dense low mat completely covered in lavender-purple flowers throughout summer, attractive fine and fragrant foliage the rest of the season; needs a dry and sunny location, can take light foot traffic. Evergreen in … Bees love all blooming thymes. View cart and check out; Stuck at home? 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. An ideal lawn substitute for small spaces. English Creeping Thyme Choice of White, Red, Purple or Pink 9 pc. All creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground's surface to periodically grow leaves and roots. Several sources mentioned it does well into USDA Hardiness Zone 4 (winter temperatures 1 or 2 degrees within freezing). Subtotal $0.00. Flatulence and indigestion are also said to be relieved by thyme. Disclaimer - This Plant Finder tool is an online resource representing many of the varieties that we carry over the course of the season, and is intended for informational purposes only. Varieties of Creeping Thyme. Newly planted creeping thyme should be watered during the first growing season when the soil is dry to a depth of 1 inch. Certified organic Ground Cover Thymes for sale at Mountain Valley Growers. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. Adds elegance to mixed b What Are the Best Tips for Planting Thyme? Doone Valley Thyme is not a cooking thyme. As a ground covering plant, creeping thyme is a sturdy, low-maintenance choice, able to thrive in a variety of climates and with varying degrees of sunlight. I purchased some creeping thyme at the garden center in the spring and planted them wherever I wanted to cover some bare spots. It is very low-growing and covered in beautiful lavender flowers during early to mid-summer. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. Creeping thyme usually stops growing during the winter, though in … 1 Review Add Your Review. In the modern age, thyme retains its medicinal reputation. 100 HEIRLOOM Creeping Thyme (thymus serpyllum} seeds Creeping Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) seed quite the robust, long-blooming beauty of the more expensive plant varieties. Inventory varies seasonally, so we cannot guarantee that every plant will be in stock at all times - please contact the store directly for current availability. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect. It does not respond well to dog urine and dies out where our dogs visit it, but it does grow back after. Creeping thyme is also capable of withstanding tromping upon by rambunctious kids (making it kid resistant as well! Creeping thyme will crowd out unwanted weeds and thrive in poor soil where other groundcovers fail. Thyme is easy to care for once it’s established, and it tolerates drought conditions. Rather than growing upward, it instead sprawls out to cover an area of 18 inches (45.7 cm) or even more in some cases, making it an ideal choice for ground cover. Harvest creeping thyme in the morning when the essential oils of the plant are at their peak. Red Mother of Thyme blooms with showy rose-red flowers in late spring and grows to form thick mats of tiney, deep green leaves. Once it is established from ground cover seeds it is fairly drought tolerant. Transplant the young seedling into the garden 6 - 12 inches apart. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm There are several types of creeping thyme that come in different colors and characteristics. Unlike common thyme, which grows upright and stands about 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall, creeping thyme remains low to the ground, usually standing 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) tall. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images While one can't tell from this photo, these blossoms are very, very small. R67231. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme is smothered in stunning purple flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer. Does anyone know the ph required to assure red/scarlet blooms from Red Creeping Thyme? It also is a common feature in landscaping, often placed in the foreground or filling the gaps between larger plants. creeping thyme ground cover is super-vigorous, lemon-scented, brighly-flowered variety spreads 18 inches in no time in the sunny garden, giving you months of deep pink blooms and heavenly fragrance for mere pennies! Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. Manchester, ME 04351 The … Considered by many to be the showiest ground cover thyme with its profuse show of rose-red flowers in summer. Individual plants will … Below are some of the most popular types. Magic Carpet thyme is perfect for edging the flower border, rock gardens, walkways, patios and in containers. Perfect for filling between stepping stones, as it will tolerate light foot traffic and has a wonderful fragrance when leaves are crushed. Like most thyme varieties, it is rather drought-tolerant. It remains green all year and produces pink flowers that blossom through the summer. Creeping Thyme self-sows readily, dropping it seeds after flowering season is over. This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. We bought 1000 Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' seeds last spring, they germinated pretty well, and are now coming to bloom. Creeping lemon thyme, caraway thyme, and spicy orange thyme produce pink flowers, and the plant remains short, reaching a height of 4-inches. Wikibuy Review: A Free Tool That Saves You Time and Money, 15 Creative Ways to Save Money That Actually Work. Creeping Thyme does well in sunny beds, borders, rock gardens, and spilling over rock walls. Just so, does creeping thyme bloom all summer? Plant a carpet of fragrance! If you want a ground cover thyme that works to fill in fast, then choose Caraway Thyme (shown above creeping all over a plug tray). Sprawling mat herbs, creeping Lemon thyme does to dark green in throughout. Bare spots with its profuse show of rose-red flowers in summer protect it in their temples does well climates... 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