Thymus Species, Creeping Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Wild Thyme

Thymusserpyllum

Family
Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Thymus (TY-muss)
Species
serpyllum (ser-PIE-lum)
Synonym
Thymus adscendens
Thymus affinis
Thymus albidus
Thymus angulosus
Thymus angustus
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Shiny/Glossy
Textured
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
N/A
Bloom Color
Pink
Lavender
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens
Groundcovers
Herbs
Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
By simple layering
By serpentine layering
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Flagstaff, Arizona

Delta, Colorado

Brandon, Florida

Welaka, Florida

Cherry Valley, Illinois

Melbourne, Kentucky

Salvisa, Kentucky

Cumberland, Maryland

Billerica, Massachusetts

Grand Marais, Michigan

Andover, Minnesota

Kansas City, Missouri

Protem, Missouri

Deerfield, New Hampshire

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Ithaca, New York

North Tonawanda, New York

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Lititz, Pennsylvania

Norristown, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Austin, Texas(2 reports)

Katy, Texas

Pflugerville, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Weatherford, Texas

South Jordan, Utah

Leesburg, Virginia

Wytheville, Virginia

show all

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
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C
ROSLINDALE, MA | November 2015 | neutral

A pretty aromatic plant forming spreading woody-based mats which generally self-layer. The foliage is hairy and semi-evergreen here. It w...Read More

S
Lititz, PA (Zone 6b) | November 2015 | positive

A slowly creeping, ground hugging mat of foliage with beautiful fuchsia colored blossoms in early summer. I'm not sure all of the plant ...Read More

B
Comerio, PR (Zone 11) | January 2012 | positive

I grew some from seeds two or three months ago. They are growing well. I hope they thrive in Puerto Rico's tropical weather.

A
Brandon, FL | January 2011 | positive

Does well in zone 9 tampa once established.march /april is a good time to start so it can be well established to endure summer heat/humi...Read More

N
Grand Marais, MI | June 2009 | positive

This is an excellent lawn plant where grass fails to thrive due to poor, sandy soil and dry conditions. Here we get about 30" of precipi...Read More

L
Ithaca, NY (Zone 5b) | November 2004 | positive

Wonderful little plant for rock gardens, edging and just to use as "weed control" in some areas. Beautiful purple flowers in summer. Ea...Read More

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