Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Lavender

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, 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, Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Walls / Fences, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

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

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Reiter thyme is a tough, vigorous groundcover. Forms dense mats that can tolerate foot traffic and choke out most weeds. It grows to 3 inches tall and spreads 30 inches. Rich, olive green foliage is topped with lavender flowers in mid-summer. Faded flowers can be removed using a lawn mower. It has a pleasant, minty fragrance when crushed, though not considered for culinary uses. Attracts bees and butterflies.

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. Can be mowed after flowering. Low water, deer and rabbit resistant, and low-or-no fertilizer.