Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

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

 

Special Uses

Cascade, Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

This thyme forms a low, dense mat of aromatic, tiny green leaves. Light pink flowers in early summer cover the mat. Very tough and vigorous, it has few needs except for full sun, good drainage, and periodic watering. Attracts bees and butterflies, but is uninteresting to deer and rabbit. Tolerates moderate foot traffic and would be an ideal lawn substitute for a low-use lawn area, or between steps along a walkway.

Grow in full sun and well drained soil. Though vigorous, it will not overtake taller perennials and so is well suited for borders. Excellent in sunny parkstrips or as an alternative to lawn, provided its not one that gets played on. Mix a variety of thymes and veronicas for an interesting groundcover quilt. Does not require deadheading or fertilizing, though it can be mowed in early spring, if necessary, to make it tidy.