Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum coccineus
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Common Name: Red Mother-of-Thyme  
Plant photo of: Thymus serpyllum coccineus
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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

Purple

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

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, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

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

 

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

Red Mother-of-thyme is a very showy thyme, with its profusion of rosy-red flowers in summer. Plants form thick mats of tiny, luscious green foliage, and though its evergreen, the foliage turns bronze in the fall. A wonderful low-water, low maintenance groundcover to use in place of low-use lawns or for between pavers. Grows about 2 to 3 inches tall and spreads about 12 to 18 inches wide.
Grow in full sun and well drained soil. Though it will tolerate some shade, its growth may not be as vigorous or dense. 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.