Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Herb

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Purple

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Mother-of-thyme is a woody based perennial which is primarily used as a ground cover. Numerous, thin, somewhat woody stems form a low mat (2 to 3 inches tall and 12 or so inches across) with tiny, rounded, glossy blue-green leaves. Leaves are aromatic, though usually not considered to be of culinary quality. Clusters of tiny, tubular, deep pink flowers appear in summer. Flowers are attractive to bees. There are many cultivars with a more dependably low habit; the species is a bit taller and so is best used at the sides of walks of paths, or to edge a sunny border.

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 or after blooming, if necessary, to make it tidy.