Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. May be started from seeds or nursery starts.
#MOTHER OF THYME INFORMATION FULL#
Where to plant:Ī site that receives full sun (at least 6 hours daily) is best for optimal flowering, but plants will also tolerate light shade. Avoid planting during the heat of the summer, when it’s difficult for plants to become established. In spring, after the threat of frost has passed, or in early fall. Common thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) is a better choice for culinary purposes. Special attributes:Īlthough both the flowers and leaves are edible, they are generally not used for cooking because the fragrance and flavor are inconsistent. Though it can spread quickly once established, creeping thyme is not invasive and easy to manage. The stems take root where they come in contact with the soil, with new shoots forming at the point where rooting occurs.
Method of spreading:īy trailing stems that sprawl out horizontally from a central root system. Often semi-evergreen or evergreen in areas with mild winters. May be dark green, olive green, or gray-green, depending on the cultivar. Slightly hairy and elliptical, growing to 1/4 inch in length. Usually in shades of pink or purple, although some cultivars have red or white blooms.
Star- or bell-shaped, measuring about 1/8 inch across. However, they should flower prolifically the following spring. Plants may not flower during their first growing season because they will be focusing all their energy on root development. Late spring to early summer, with the blooms lasting for 3 to 4 weeks. Plants may be slightly taller when in bloom. On this page: Basics | Planting | Care | Pictures | Landscaping IdeasĬreeping thyme, mother of thyme, wild thyme Plant type:ġ to 4 inches tall, spreading up to 18 inches. As a bonus, creeping thyme creates a colorful floral carpet in late spring, when it bursts into a profusion of dainty pink or purple flowers. Not only does this drought-tolerant perennial require much less water than traditional turf grass, it also spreads quickly to fill in bare spots. If you’ve only thought of thyme as a plant for the herb garden, you may be surprised to discover that there are also several creeping varieties valued more for their ornamental attributes than their culinary qualities.įorming a dense, ground-hugging mat of tiny evergreen leaves, creeping thyme is ideal for use as a foot-friendly groundcover to fill gaps between stepping stones and patio pavers, where the foliage will release its heady herbal scent whenever you tiptoe through it.īecause of its ability to withstand moderate foot traffic, creeping thyme can also be used as an easy-care lawn substitute, especially on sunny hillsides and slopes. For best coverage as a groundcover, avoid planting in very cold or wet areas, and space plants 18 inches apart.Red creeping thyme. Thyme isn't a member of the mint family for nothing. Germination can be slow (up to one month), but once the seeds sprout, there's no stopping them. Grow Mother of Thyme as you would other thyme varieties: direct sow in well-drained garden soil receiving full sun, or begin indoors. Clusters of pink-purple flowers appear in summer on plants that reach ½ to 3 inches tall and up to 3 feet wide. This prostrate, mat-forming perennial with slim stems is lined with tiny, oval, hairy leaves.
#MOTHER OF THYME INFORMATION PATCH#
The perfect combination.Įvergreen in most areas and quite drought resistant once it has become established, Mother of Thyme is a good choice for just about any bare, sunny, well-drained patch of soil. The blooms attract butterflies and bees, while the intense fragrance seems to deter nibbling rabbits and deer. This perennial thyme is very adaptable and tough, though to look at its lush display, you would never guess at its resilience. Its dense, spreading habit makes it the ideal groundcover, while its rich fragrance and bright blooms add immeasurably to the appeal of any landscape. Mother of Thyme is an ideal choice for planting between walkway stones, edging the flower or vegetable garden, or cascading over rocks or wood in a terraced garden.
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