Yes, creeping thyme makes a great ground cover. This evergreen perennial is a low-maintenance yet hardy option with a wide variety of uses. Creeping thyme grows up to 6 inches in height, and its small, fragrant leaves give it a delightful scent when cracked.
It is incredibly hardy, surviving hot summers and even extreme temperatures in the winter. The shallow roots of creeping thyme don’t compete for space with other plants, making it a great choice for areas that get a lot of foot traffic.
Creeping thyme can even be used to fill in those awkward spots that tend to stay dry. This beautiful, fragrant ground cover resists weeds, so it won’t require too much of your time when it comes to upkeep.
You can pick from a variety of different sizes and colors of creeping thyme, so you can find the perfect fit for your landscape.
Which thyme is creeping?
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), also known as wild thyme, is an evergreen perennial native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It has small, wiry stems that form dense mats and can spread to cover large areas.
The thyme leaves are small, gray-green and fragrant, and the small pinkish-purple flowers bloom in late spring or summer. This low-growing thyme is often used as a ground cover or as edging in rock gardens, but can also be used in vegetable gardens, herb gardens, or to make an attractive walkway.
Its trailing habit makes it ideal for planting on slopes and other hard-to-mow locations. It requires well-drained soil and full sun for optimal growth and can be harvested for use fresh or dried.
Is thyme and creeping thyme the same?
No, thyme and creeping thyme are not the same. Thyme is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, and is a herb with narrow, lavender flowers. Creeping thyme is also part of the Lamiaceae family and is known as Thymus praecox.
It is a low-growing evergreen, creeping perennial with fragrant, tiny, pinkish-purple flowers. It is often used as a low-growing ground cover due to its ability to spread quickly and thickly. Its small leaves have a strong oregano-like flavor, making it popular for culinary use as an herb.
Thus, while the two members of the Lamiaceae family share some similarities, thyme and creeping thyme are different.
What is the difference between creeping thyme and woolly thyme?
Creeping thyme and woolly thyme are two different varieties of thyme. Creeping thyme has a thin, mat-forming stem that grows close to the ground, making it ideal for creating low-growing cover. Its leaves are small, gray-green and triangular, and this variety is known for its pleasant aroma when stepped on.
Woolly thyme is a low-growing perennial herb with dense mats of green-silver foliage. Its small leaves are densely matted, giving a wooly appearance, and small red or pink flowers appear in the summer.
Woolly thyme prefers sandy soil and full sun and is also fragrant when walked on. The main difference between the two is that Creeping thyme is better for pathways as it is more compact and dense, and Woolly thyme does not need quite as much care, making it ideal for rock walls and dry patches.
Which creeping thyme spreads fastest?
Creeping or mat-forming thyme (Thymus spp. ) is known for its rapid growth and dense ground cover. Of these varieties, the fastest-spreading variety is often considered to be lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus).
This type of thyme is characterized by a slight lemony scent and flavor and is popularly used in cooking. Lemon thyme can spread quickly with its deep roots and has been known to reach over 30 inches in width in one season.
In addition to lemon thyme, French thyme (Thymus vulgaris) can quickly spread across the ground in just a few months. Creeping varieties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) are also known to spread quickly, with plants reaching up to 1 foot in width in just a few months of growth.
Overall, all types of creeping thyme can quickly spread out and fill in an area if given adequate light and water.
Can creeping thyme become invasive?
Creeping thyme (Thymus spp. ) is generally not considered to be invasive. It is hardy and will spread quickly in gardens, but it is not considered aggressive enough to spread beyond the area it is planted in.
The aromatic, evergreen foliage of creeping thyme is an attractive, low-growing ground cover with a height of up to 4”. Creeping thyme is generally not considered to be an aggressive, invasive plant, much less considered a weed.
In comparison to other ground covers such as vinca, myrtle and pachysandra, creeping thyme is not known to spread quickly in areas not intended for its growth and does not compete with other native plants.
However, depending on the conditions it is grown in, it may spread more than its intended limits and could become a nuisance in gardens. To control its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive, trim back or mow the thyme as needed and regularly remove it from areas not intended for its growth.
Is wooly thyme invasive?
No, wooly thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) is not considered an invasive species. Wooly thyme is classified by the United States Department of Agriculture as a non-invasive plant, as it does not spread aggressively beyond its planting area and does not invade natural ecosystems.
In fact, due to its low-growing habit and soft, woolly foliage, wooly thyme is a popular low-maintenance ground cover for rock gardens, pathways, and borders. It is also valued for its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round color in the garden.
It grows best in well-drained soils and its foliage can tolerate hot, dry conditions and moderate foot traffic. Wooly thyme is drought-tolerant and hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. With its attractive, fuzzy foliage, wooly thyme is a great versatile plant that adds texture and visual interest to a garden bed.
Does wooly thyme stay green in winter?
Yes, wooly thyme stays green in winter. It is a semi-evergreen plant, which means it will remain green even during cold weather. However, its foliage may become a bit brown or crispy in areas that experience prolonged frosts.
Still, wooly thyme will remain mostly green during the winter. It is an excellent groundcover for sunny or lightly shaded areas, as it need little water and is highly drought tolerant. It also performs well in sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils, making it a great choice for tough terrain.
How many types of creeping thyme are there?
There are over two dozen different species of creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) in the world. These can be further divided into categories based on their distinct growth habits. Creeping thyme is an evergreen perennial, and the different types can be semi-prostrate, spreading, or ascending.
In addition, there are subspecies of creeping thyme such as Thymus pulegioides, Thymus fragrantissimus, and Thymus vulgaris. The colors of creeping thyme can vary from light lavender to deep pink, with some varieties including white or crimson.
Semi-prostrate creeping thyme has large, flat, dark-green leaves and grows low to the ground. This type of thyme is often used to create ground cover, as it does not grow higher than five inches.
The spreading type of creeping thyme has narrow, pointed leaves and can grow up to 12 inches in height. This variety is often used as a low-growing edging for flower beds or paths.
The ascending type of creeping thyme has an erect growth habit, reaching heights of up to several feet. It is often used as a low-growing hedge or to edge a rockery.
In addition to the various species and categories of creeping thyme, there are numerous subspecies. For example, Thymus pulegioides is also known as lemon thyme and has fragrant, lemon-scented leaves.
Thymus fragrantissimus (also known as “orange thyme”) has a light orange scent and softer foliage than other types of thyme. Finally, Thymus vulgaris, or “Broad-leaved thyme” has multiple leaves on each stem and is often used as fresh herbs or in dried form.
How long does it take for wooly thyme to spread?
The amount of time it takes for wooly thyme to spread will depend on several factors, such as the climate, soil type, and amount of sunlight the plant receives. In general, it is recommended to allow wooly thyme to grow for at least one season before expecting it to spread.
After the first season, you can expect to see the wooly thyme begin to spread, with approximately 4-6 inches of spread per season. Once established, wooly thyme will spread rapidly and can reach a height of 4-8 inches after a few seasons.
To speed up the spread, divide wooly thyme actively in early spring, and replant divisions in the desired area. If given optimal conditions for growth, you can expect wooly thyme to spread within a few months.
How fast does woolly thyme grow?
Woolly thyme is a low-growing, drought-resistant evergreen herb that is often used to form a ground cover. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and has creeping stems which spread over time, typically growing between 2 and 6 inches in height.
Woolly thyme prefers sunny sites, with well-drained soil and although drought-tolerant, it will benefit from regular watering during the summer. It has a slow to moderate growth rate, so while it doesn’t require any special attention to maintain it, you may find that it takes some time and patience to achieve the desired level of coverage.
Once it is established, including fertilizing once a year, and watering during dry spells to keep soil hydrated, it is fairly maintenance-free.
Does thyme spread easily?
Yes, thyme does spread easily. Thyme is a low-growing, woody subshrub native to the Mediterranean region, and it is well known for its spreading, mounding growth. It grows up to a foot tall and up to two feet wide, and its wiry stems, small dark green leaves, and fragrant aroma make it a popular herb in gardens around the world.
Thyme is often planted as a ground cover and the typical spreading rate is around six to twelve inches per year. However, this can vary quite a bit depending on the growing conditions and whether or not it is pruned.
Thyme is quite hardy and can grow well in most soils as long as they are well-draining. Once thyme is established it can spread quickly, as it not only sends out new shoots but also forms shoots underground.
This means it can be difficult to eliminate once it takes hold and is why it is best to prevent spread by controlling its size while it is young.
Can you walk on wooly thyme?
Yes, you can walk on wooly thyme, as it is a small, low-growing, evergreen groundcover. It grows in a spread-like habit reaching about 2” tall and a rambling width of 18” to 24”. It is important to note that the wooly thyme has tiny, pointy leaves, so when walking on it, one does need to proceed with caution.
The wooly thyme can be unpleasantly prickly when stepped on, so wearing shoes is recommended. The leaves are grey-green in color with a hint of silver, and the stems are slightly fuzzy. It is also grown for its pink to purple blooms that appear in late spring and summer months.
Does creeping thyme multiply?
Yes, creeping thyme does multiply. Heirloom creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is an evergreen, hardy herb that can spread quickly to create a dense mass of purple and pink flowers. It grows in US Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9, where it can spread slowly to form a creeping lawn.
Creeping thyme propagates readily from seeds, cuttings and separation. The entire process may take several weeks to several months to complete.
When propagating creeping thyme from seed, start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Plant in sterile, nutrient-poor soil and keep the soil lightly moist. Place the pots in a sunny location with temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once established, you can transplant into your garden. They’ll generally germinate in two to three weeks.
For cuttings, take 3 to 4 inch pieces from the tips of the stems. Trim off the bottom leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. You can then plant the cutting in sterile, soilless potting mixture with compost and keep it in indirect light and slightly moist soil.
Finally, for separation, carefully dig around the outer edge of the creeping thyme, making sure to keep its roots undisturbed as much as possible. Once you’ve unearthed it, use either a sharp spade or a landscape knife to make precise cuts down the middle.
Replant both halves in well-drained soil, keeping the roots partially exposed. Water the area well and provide it with full sun.
How do you spread thyme?
Thyme is an easy herb to spread, as it is suitable for both fresh and dried plantings. When planting fresh thyme, it is best to buy a starter plant from a garden center and plant it directly in the ground.
To transplant it, carefully dig a hole twice the size of the pot and place the thyme in the hole so the root ball is level with the ground surface. Cover with soil and water deeply. When planting dried thyme, simply scatter it over the desired area and cover with a thin layer of soil.
If you are hoping to propagate, cut small portions of the stems (containing a few leaves) and plant them in the desired area. Water your thyme deeply every one or two weeks and make sure it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
What is the fastest spreading ground cover?
The fastest-spreading ground cover is English ivy. English ivy grows quickly and can cover an area of ground in a short amount of time. It is often used as a ground cover for slopes and is effective at preventing erosion and controlling weed growth.
English ivy can be invasive and aggressive, and it needs regular maintenance, but it is still one of the fastest-growing plants available for controlling weeds and stabilizing soil. Other fast-growing ground covers-include white camphor, aconitum (monkshood), Jacob’s ladder, galium (bedstraw), lamium (deadnettle), and sweet woodruff.
Most of these plants require some management in order to stay in check, but after a few growing seasons, the ground should be covered nicely. Whether you need a fast-growing solution for erosion control or just a ground cover that will require minimal maintenance, English ivy should be your first choice.
Does thyme have invasive roots?
No, thyme is not considered an invasive plant since its roots do not spread rapidly like other invasive plants. Thyme has shallow roots so it doesn’t have the ability to take over an area or choke out other plants like some other invasive species.
Additionally, its roots are firm so they won’t get disturbed easily when various garden tasks are performed, such as weeding or applying mulch. Still, it’s best to avoid planting thyme too close to other plants or spreading it in the same area as other plants that could be displaced.
Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) can choke out other plants if it is allowed to spread unchecked. This is especially true of species of thyme which have a prostrate or trailing, rather than upright, growth habit.
Creeping thyme has a number of characteristics which enable it to compete and outcompete other plants. It grows quickly, forming a dense mat of foliage, and it spreads aggressively by rooting itself wherever the stems make contact with the ground.
This spreading habit can crowd out other plants, and, combined with its deep root system, it can make it difficult for other plants to become established. Additionally, creeping thyme is a shallow-rooted plant which is adapted for drought resistance, giving it a competitive edge in dry environments.
This trait can allow it to outcompete shallow-rooted plants which require more water to remain healthy. Therefore, it is important to carefully select and manage creeping thyme in order to prevent it from choking out other plants.
Taking precautionary steps, such as pruning the plant back, deadheading, and fertilizing can help to control its growth while still allowing it to provide desirable garden coverage.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
No, creeping thyme is not toxic to dogs. However, many herbs are toxic to dogs and other animals, so it is important to do your research and make sure the herbs you give to your pets are safe. Some plants that are not toxic to dogs include creeping thyme, catnip, mint, oregano, rosemary, and sage.
It is also important to note that sometimes too much of even a safe plant may cause digestive issues like vomiting, so keep watch if you give your pet any type of herbal treat.