Yes, you can plant creeping thyme under trees. This is because creeping thyme is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that adapts to a variety of soil and sun conditions and is a good choice for planting near trees.
The trailing habit of creeping thyme allows it to weave its tiny leaves through the roots and branches of scattered trees. It requires well-draining soil, so before planting, it’s important to loosen the soil around the tree and test the drainage to make sure the thyme will get enough water in dry periods.
Once planted, the creeping thyme requires minimal care and regular watering, especially during the dry summer months. The thyme will benefit from an occasional pruning and occasional fertilizer to help keep new growth vibrant and healthy.
Additionally, you can use creeping thyme to control erosion under trees. The strong, thick roots of the creeping thyme prevent soil from washing away from the base of a tree.
Where does creeping thyme grow best?
Creeping thyme, also known as Thymus Serpyllum, is a perennial, adaptable herb native to the Mediterranean region and is part of the mint family. It has tiny, fragrant leaves and small, carmine-colored blooms, making it a popular and attractive ground cover.
It is often found growing in meadows, rocky regions, and in coastal areas near the beach.
When growing creeping thyme, the most important thing to consider is the soil and its drainage. Creeping thyme does best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It also prefers well-drained, low-density soils, so be sure to prepare the soil by adding nutrients such as peat moss and compost before planting.
Creeping thyme also prefers full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Creeping thyme is a hardy plant, but it will die back in cold winters, so it may require protection. To achieve best results, it’s important to regularly prune dead foliage and stems to keep the area looking neat and tidy.
Finally, water creeping thyme moderately and don’t allow it to become overly dry and stressed. With the right environment, creeping thyme will spread quickly and create a beautiful, low-maintenance green carpet.
When should you plant creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme is best planted in the late spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Planting in the late spring gives the plant time to establish a strong root system before the summer heat arrives.
When planting, prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter. Dig a shallow trench and scatter the thyme seeds. Cover the seeds with soil, maintaining a depth of approximately ¼ inch. Water the area well and roller to aid in soil contact with the seed.
Once the plants start to emerge, thin them out so that the remaining thyme plants are spaced about 8 to 12 inches apart. This will help ensure the plants have enough room to grow and spread. Lastly, be sure to keep the soil evenly moist until the plants become established and can tolerate drier conditions.
How quickly does creeping thyme spread?
Creeping thyme is a hardy, evergreen ground cover that spreads quite quickly. It spreads by sending out runners or stems along the ground, and produces roots at the nodes, where the stems contact the soil.
In ideal conditions, it can form a mat of foliage up to 30 cm (12 in) high in only two or three years. It prefers moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter but will also tolerate some drought. Once established, it can tolerate shade and drought and is extremely difficult to remove.
With its fast colonizing tendency, creeping thyme can quickly take over an area, if not managed properly. It is recommended to trim creeping thyme once or twice a year, to keep it in check.
Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?
No, creeping thyme typically does not choke out other plants. Creeping thyme is a small, low-growing herb that is often used as an ornamental or ground cover. This type of thyme grows slowly, typically reaching a height of just 4 to 6 inches.
While creeping thyme can be aggressive, it rarely creeps out other plants and can actually be beneficial, because it helps inhibit weed growth. Creeping thyme can also improve soil quality, as the plant attracts beneficial microorganisms, which can bring vital nutrients to nearby plants and improve drainage in the soil.
For best results, creeping thyme should be planted in well-draining, sunny areas, and given enough space. It should also be watered regularly, as it has shallow roots and is prone to drying out.
Will creeping thyme survive winter?
Yes, creeping thyme is a cold-hardy perennial herb that can tolerate cooler temperatures and survive through the winter months. It typically grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, so if you live in an area that falls within these zones, your creeping thyme should survive the winter months without much difficulty.
For optimal winter survival, try to keep the soil loose and the roots well-insulated, taking steps such as covering the plant with several inches of mulch or straw to protect it from severe drops in temperature.
Additionally, provide plenty of water during the autumn months while the plant is still actively growing. This will help to encourage better rooting and a larger, more established plant that can survive the cold season.
Can I plant creeping thyme seeds directly in the ground?
Yes, you can plant creeping thyme seeds directly in the ground. Ideally, these should be planted in the spring when soil temperatures start to warm and the frost risk has diminished. Start by preparing your soil.
Work in a well-drained, lean soil with a neutral pH. If your soil is too heavy or has too much clay content, consider adding some sand or grit for drainage. You can then sow your seeds directly in the soil at a depth of no more than 1/4 inch.
Cover lightly with soil and water. Once established, the creeping thyme can be divided or cuttings taken to propagate the plants. If you are not sure when to plant in your region, a local gardening center can provide this information.
How long does creeping thyme take to grow from seed?
Creeping thyme usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to grow from seed. Depending on the variety, the seedlings will typically reach 1 inch in height by the end of this time period. After germination, young plants should be transferred to outdoor beds or containers if they are being grown as a ground cover.
If they are being grown as ornamental foliage, they can remain in the same pot or be moved to larger ones with an adequately-drained potting mix. Under ideal conditions, the plants will continue to grow at a steady rate and can reach a height of 3 inches by their third month of growth.
If conditions are not ideal, for example if the plants are exposed to too much sun or not enough water, the growth of the plants may be slower.
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
Yes, creeping thyme comes back every year. This hardy perennial is capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of winter and will come back again each year. It is drought-tolerant, loves the sunshine and will grow in average soils.
It will self-seed and spread, making it an easy go-to to fill in between stepping stones or wherever you need a durable low-level ground cover. It needs relatively little care, but should be watered during extended dry spells and trimmed back in the spring to encourage fresh growth.
If you maintain creeping thyme, it will come back each year with its pleasant fragrance, small aromatic leaves, and delicate white and/or pink flowers.
Can creeping thyme take full sun?
Yes, creeping thyme can take full sun and even does best in it. It is a drought-tolerant evergreen perennial that can produce carpets of beautiful, fragrant flowers. It prefers to be planted in full sun and in soil with good drainage.
For best results, you can combine it with rocks and low-growing shrubs in order to create a unique and picturesque garden. If planted in full sun, it will bloom most of the year, although flowering may slow down during the hottest parts of summer.
With plenty of direct sunlight, creeping thyme will quickly spread, creating colorful and fragrant ground cover. But make sure the soil doesn’t stay wet, as this can lead to fungus or root rot.
Can I walk on creeping thyme?
Yes, you can walk on creeping thyme. Creeping thyme is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen herb native to the Mediterranean region. Its scientific name is Thymus pulegioides. Creeping thyme is usually planted as a groundcover in garden beds and along pathways.
The leaves of creeping thyme are small, oval, and aromatic. Creeping thyme is able to withstand some light foot traffic, so walking on it is perfectly fine. However, it is important to take care not to trample the plants too much, as this can damage the plant and inhibit its growth.
Additionally, while the leaves of this herb are safe to walk on, make sure that you avoid any areas where there are flowers, as these can be easily crushed.
Is creeping thyme invasive?
No, creeping thyme is not considered an invasive species. Native to Europe and Asia, it typically grows as a mat-forming, evergreen perennial with pink, purple, or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
They are often used as a low-growing ground cover or as part of a rock garden because of their attractive, low-growing foliage and flowers. If grown in optimal conditions, it can spread by self-seeding and by root runners, however, creeping thyme is not considered an invasive species as they can be easily managed and confined to an area.
In areas where it may become too prolific, it can easily be cut back or divided as needed.
Will ground cover plants kill other plants?
Ground cover plants can kill other plants, but they typically don’t. Ground cover plants are often used to crowd out other plants, preventing them from growing in a certain area. They can also help with erosion control and improving soil health.
In some cases, if the ground cover plants become overgrown or spread too much, they can eventually kill off other plants by blocking out the sun or by strangling out the other plants’ access to moisture and nutrients.
This is why it is important to properly manage ground cover plants to ensure they are not overwhelming other plant life in an area. Additionally, some ground cover species may be invasive, so be sure to choose wisely when selecting a ground cover plant.
Is creeping thyme a good ground cover?
Yes, creeping thyme is a great ground cover because it is low-growing, evergreen, generally low maintenance, drought tolerant, and has many uses. Creeping thyme is a low-growing, mat-forming herb that is native to Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Its fragrant foliage and various colors of flowers make it an attractive ground cover choice. It typically grows to be around 2-6 inches tall and has a spread that ranges from 18 inches to 3 feet. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, though flowering is generally better in full sun.
Creeping thyme is generally low maintenance and can be used for decorative or functional purposes. It also does well in drought-like conditions and is tolerant of winter cold and salt. It can be used to fill in bare spots in a lawn, between stepping stones and rocks in a garden, or in a crack in walkways and patios.
It is also valued for its foliage and flowers, which can attract a variety of pollinators. When harvesting creeping thyme from your garden, it can be used in recipes, teas, insect repellents, soaps, and many other uses.
Overall, creeping thyme is an excellent ground cover option because of its low-growing habit, low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and various functional and decorative uses.