Red creeping thyme is an herbal perennial that can live a long time, with proper care. It is a slow-growing plant, so it can take a while to reach full maturity. When mature, it can live for several years, depending on the variety.
In most areas, it can survive winter temperatures down to USDA zone 5, with hardy varieties making it through zone 3. If planted in well-drained soil, with plenty of sun and water, you can expect the red creeping thyme to last for several years.
However, it is important to remember that it is an herb, so it will only remain edible for one season. If you allow it to flower and go to seed, the plant will die back at the end of the season, and you will need to replant it the following spring.
Does creeping red thyme spread?
Yes, creeping red thyme (Thymus pulegioides) is indeed a vigorous groundcover that tends to spread quickly by rooting at the nodes and growing outward. Its creeping behavior is a great quality for gardeners as it provides a beautiful groundcover that is easy to maintain.
The plant does not require much irrigation and does best when grown in full sun to light shade in well-draining, somewhat alkaline soil. It can be a difficult plant to contain and may require regular maintenance to keep it from taking over the garden.
Pruning and edging can help to keep it in check while still allowing it to spread and form a groundcover.
Do you cut back creeping thyme?
Yes, creeping thyme can be cut back to help it maintain its shape and keep it looking full and healthy. To do this, wait until the late spring or early fall when the thyme is in its dormant season. You should use sharp shears and cut back the stems to about 2-3 inches above the ground, while avoiding cutting back too much and damaging the plant.
Once you are finished pruning, you should add a layer of mulch around the thyme to help nourish and protect it. Lastly, you should water the plant and provide it with plenty of sunlight to help it thrive.
Will thyme grow back after winter?
Yes, thyme will typically grow back after winter. In fact, many gardeners prefer to plant thyme in the fall to give it a head start in the spring. This is because thyme is a hardy perennial, meaning it can survive cold temperatures and will come back year after year.
When temperatures go below freezing, thyme may become dormant, but it should emerge again with the warmer weather of spring. To ensure good growth and blooms, feed your thyme with a slow-release fertilizer or compost around the beginning of the growing season, which is typically in the spring.
Is my thyme dead or dormant?
If you aren’t sure if your thyme is dead or dormant, there are a few things you can check to make the determination. Firstly, look for signs of new growth on the plant. Dead thyme will not show any signs of new shoots or leaves, while dormant thyme will often have new growth starting from the base.
You should also check for any existing leaves – dead thyme will have no leaves on the plant, while dormant thyme may have some leaves still in place. Next, check the condition of individual stems – if they feel dry, brittle, and lightweight, they may be dead.
Stems on dormant thyme will feel firmer and springier. Finally, check the roots of your thyme. Dead thyme will have weak, blackened roots, while dormant thyme will have healthy, white or cream-colored roots that feel slightly moist.
By considering these factors, you can figure out if your thyme is dead or simply dormant.
Why is my creeping thyme dying?
There could be several reasons why your creeping thyme is dying. One issue could be that the plant is not receiving enough sunlight, as creeping thyme needs at least six hours of direct sunlight a day in order to thrive.
It can tolerate partial shade but should receive enough sun to produce blooms and keep foliage lush and healthy. Additionally, creeping thyme is drought-tolerant and will thrive in well-drained, sandy soils with good air circulation.
So, if the soil that you planted the thyme in is too wet or not well-draining, this could be leading to root rot and consequent plant death. Finally, if your plant is in a container, it could be possible that you are over-watering, as thyme does not need much water in general.
Therefore, making sure the container is appropriate for your plant and allowing for it to dry out sufficiently between waterings is important.
Will my thyme plant come back?
It is possible that your thyme plant will come back when the weather warms up. Thyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris, is a perennial herb that is hardy in USDA zones five through nine. It can survive winter with protection from temperatures that dip to freezing or below.
In regions with cold winters, you may need to provide protection from frost and freeze. This can include wrapping the thyme plants with fabric covers or planting in containers that can be moved to a protected area.
Additionally, cold and wet winters can cause the foliage to turn brown, die back, and become dormant. Fortunately, if the crown of the plant is still alive, new growth and flowering will follow in the spring.
If your plant has completely died back, either in part or in whole, it may not recover – so do take care to protect it during the winter.
Does thyme grow back in spring?
Yes, thyme does grow back in the spring. During the winter months or colder climates, thyme tends to go dormant and lose much of its leaves. However, when the temperatures begin to warm up and the weather is more favorable to growing, thyme returns and its strong aroma is released.
In order to ensure that thyme comes back reliably each spring, its best to trim it to the ground before winter. This encourages strong re-growth in the spring and helps to establish a hardy, healthy plant.
Additionally, adding a layer of mulch can provide an extra protection and help to conserve the soil’s moisture. With some attention and care, thyme can reliably come back year after year, providing you with its culinary and medicinal benefits.
Can thyme survive frost?
Yes, thyme can survive frost! Thyme is an incredibly hardy perennial herb, which means it can survive temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 degrees Celsius). In fact, thyme actually prefers cold weather and will often die in extended warm temperatures.
When temperatures begin to drop near freezing, thyme enters a dormant state that helps protect its leaves and stems from the cold. Despite its hardiness, thyme is still vulnerable to extreme freezing temperatures and should be protected from cold winter winds, especially when temperatures dip into the single digits.
For the most protection, it’s best to cover thyme beds with a thick layer of mulch during the winter months.
Does creeping thyme become invasive?
No, creeping thyme (Thymus spp. ) does not usually become invasive. In fact, it is a great choice for low-maintenance gardening since it is exceptionally low-growing and requires very little upkeep. It is a slow-spreading, clump forming plant, but it will not become invasive and is a perfect choice for rock gardens and pathways, as it is easy to manage and maintain.
Creeping thyme will typically spread 4-8 inches a year and does not require fertilization, pruning, or deadheading. The charm of creeping thyme is that its roots are relatively shallow, so it doesn’t compete with other plants like most invasive species might.
This characteristic makes it an attractive plant to landscape and gardeners in urban or drought conditions.
How far apart do you plant creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme is a popular and easy-to-care-for ground cover with fragrant foliage and it typically grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. When planting creeping thyme, it is important to space them evenly apart in order to give them enough room to spread out.
After preparing the soil, it is recommended to space the creeping thyme 6 to 12 inches apart in all directions. It is generally best to plant creeping thyme in patches that are at least two feet wide.
When planting larger areas, it is usually better to space the thyme plants further apart so that they have more room to expand. It can help to inlay stones or edging when planting to create a more uniform look, as well as help control the spreading of the thyme.
Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?
Yes, creeping thyme can be an effective way of choking out weeds. Its dense foliage provides excellent ground coverage and its creeping stems spread across the ground, outcompeting and smothering weeds.
Furthermore, its pleasant aroma and low maintenance requirements makes it ideal for many gardeners. Since thyme is a hardy perennial and is generally very resistant to diseases, pests and drought, once established it is capable of forming strong ground cover.
For best results, the creeping thyme should be planted in well amended, loose soil and watered on a regular basis. Placing a layer of mulch over planting beds is also a good idea as it will help keep the soil moist and suppress some weed growth.
In addition, as thyme grows, it can also be sheared back every few weeks to let more light into the ground and help smother any weeds emerging from underneath.
Can creeping thyme be walked on?
Yes, creeping thyme can be walked on. It is a hardy plant that can survive foot traffic and regular pruning. Creeping thyme grows low to the ground and spreads quickly, which makes it an ideal ground cover for walkways, patios, and driveway edges.
Creeping thyme produces small, fragrant purple flowers in the spring, and its needle-like foliage stays evergreen in mild climates. It is also very low maintenance, and requires little to no maintenance once established.
When planted in well-drained soil, creeping thyme can withstand both wet and dry conditions. When planting creeping thyme it is best to space it out adequately so that it creates a solid ground cover, as it will quickly spread and choke out other plants if overcrowded.
Creeping thyme also happens to be one of the few plants that not only tolerates the wear and tear of human foot traffic but actually thrives on it! With proper care and maintenance, creeping thyme can provide beauty and texture to your landscape while also withstanding the regular foot traffic.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
The short answer is that creeping thyme is generally considered safe for dogs. It should not cause any toxic effects in animals if they consume small amounts. However, it is important to note that some dogs may be allergic to thyme, and if this is the case then the plant should be avoided.
Additionally, other plants in the same family as thyme, such as oregano, may be toxic to dogs, so it is important to double-check that the type of thyme is in fact creeping thyme before introducing it to your pet.
You should also always monitor your dog when they are around plants, as they may be tempted to nibble or consume them.