Botanical Name: Thymus praecox arcticus 'Elfin'
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Common Name: Elfin Creeping Thyme  
Plant photo of: Thymus praecox arcticus 'Elfin'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Herb

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Seascape, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Walls / Fences, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

All of the thymes are relatively low growing creepers. Elfin Thyme has attractive, soft, gray-green foliage that forms a slow spreading, tightly matted mound. This is a perfect plant for between pavers and if you have the patience, it makes a nice lawn alternative. The lavender-pink flowers bloom in early summer and attract bees and butterflies. Grows 1 to 2 inches tall, with a spread of 12 to 18 inches.
Grow in well drained soil in full sun. Adaptive to soil types, but well draining is a must. If using over a large area for a groundcover, plant on 15 to 18 inch centers to ensure that it fills in by the end of the season. Thymes, while drought tolerant once established, need to be watered regularly for several weeks or until established. If using as a groundcover, plant plugs on 6 inch centers for a dense mat. Makes a nice alternative to turf. Deer and rabbit resistant.