12/30/2023 0 Comments Creeping thyme ground cover varieties![]() After several years the center of plants will become woody and start to die back. Creeping Thyme will grow between 2-3 inches high and each established plant can spread to approximately 1 foot wide. How to Care for Creeping ThymeĬreeping Thyme will not thrive in excessively clay or sandy soils. A light dose of delayed release fertilizer can be useful if you are planting in poorer soil, but good soil preparation (mixing in a 2-3 inch layer of manure, compost or other organic material prior to planting) should negate the need for fertilizer. A light mulching may be helpful to retain moisture in warmer and drier climates, but if seeds are planted in between pavers or in shadier areas mulching is usually not necessary. Once seeds are germinating well, water to a depth of 6 inches when the top few inches of soil dries out. Good seed to soil contact is necessary for ideal germination rates. When planting, seeds should not be covered with soil, but rather pressed into the soil. Average germination time should be approximately 21-28 days and seeds should be kept consistently moist until germination is strong. Creeping thyme ground cover flowers, like other thyme varieties, can be used for tinctures and essential oils it releases a minty scent when crushed. Fall plantings should be avoided to protect against freeze damage. Division of established plantings can be done in March and April. Learn more about germination light requirements here.ĭirect Sow seeds outdoors when temperatures are consistently in the high 60s or above. How to Plant Creeping Thyme SeedsĬreeping Thyme seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Creeping thyme is a slow grower and will take more than one season to reach its full potential. Where to Plant Creeping Thyme SeedsĬreeping Thyme prefers well drained soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5 and 7.5) in an area where it receives good sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date. The Elfin cultivar (Thymus serpyllum Elfin, zones 4-8) is an even smaller variety of wild thyme. Direct sow seeds outdoors in late spring when temperatures are consistently in the high 60's or above. When to Plant Creeping Thyme SeedsĬreeping Thyme is a perennial herb which will over-winter well in zones 4-9. Creeping Thyme is not generally susceptible to disease or insects but can provide a barrier for veggies and ornamental plantings. Used often as borders on flower beds and in between pavers on walkways, this is a groundcover that can handle moderate foot traffic. Has creeping stems of approximately 4" (10 cm) long which should be encouraged to spread to avoid growing too tall.Creeping Thyme is a popular and adaptive dwarf ground cover that is popular for landscape designs.It creates a purple carpet that can be walked over, hence its name. It is very low-growing and covered in beautiful lavender flowers during early to mid-summer. Purple Carpet: This is probably the most used. Below are some of the most popular types. Walking on should be avoided when the ground beneath is laying very wet. There are several varieties of creeping thyme that come in different colors and characteristics.Will happily take moderate foot traffic - but would not be suitable for excessive use by boisterous young children or pets.Ensure weed growth is kept under control until the lawn is well established.Plant 6" x 6" (15 x 15 cm) apart - that's 36 plants per square metre to metric people (or you can divide up our chunky plug plants and grow on in small pots before planting out).Prefers a well drained soil, and most certainly should not be planted in waterlogged conditions.Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects. Thriving in full sun and drier soils, an established thyme lawn will always fare better than conventional grass in times of drought and needing just a couple of trims a year it is also less labour-intensive to keep tidy! In midsummer, delicate pretty pink flowers dot the surface, making the lawn all the prettier. Seeds can also be started indoors 8-10 weeks before your average last frost date. In the Edwardian era they were very popular – and rightly so, as they make a really lovely lush green 'carpet' of foliage which releases its sweet thyme aroma when crushed underfoot. Creeping Thyme is a perennial herb which will over-winter well in zones 4-9. Thyme lawns are seldom seen these days which is a shame. Also known as wild thyme or Breckland thyme.
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