Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial, Herb

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, 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, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

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, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

This flat-growing thyme variety features tiny, fragrant, dark green leaves, smothered by bright mauve-purple flowers in early summer. It grows about 1 to 2 inches tall and spreads 12 to 18 inches, making it well suited as a drought-tolerant low-play lawn substitute or for planting between flagstones; it tolerates moderate foot traffic, but its not grass.

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. Hardy to USDA zone 2.