Creeping Thyme
Thymus serpyllum
Slender, creeping stems and round leaves with lavender blooms. Can withstand light foot traffic and gives off pleasant aroma when walked upon. Drought tolerant once established. Perennial in Zones 5-8.
Harvest
90-95d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-3 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Creeping Thyme in USDA Zone 7
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Creeping Thyme · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry, Very Dry. Water: Backyard Patio. Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 3 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Backyard Patio. Propagation: Seed.
Harvesting
The fruit is a schizocarp and has four locules or small separate cavities. When the fruit dries, it will split into four sections. Each section contains the seeds.
Type: Schizocarp. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Edibility: This plant is primarily ornamental and is rarely used in cooking.
History & Origin
Origin: Backyard Patio
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Poor Soil, Rabbits, Salt
- +Attracts: Deer, rabbits, drought, air pollution, salt, and dry soil
- +Wildlife value: Host plant to the common blue butterfly and the large blue butterfly.
- +Edible: This plant is primarily ornamental and is rarely used in cooking.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Both Mediterranean herbs with similar water and soil requirements, repel pests together
Rosemary
Compatible drought-tolerant herbs that enhance each other's aromatic properties
Oregano
Similar growing conditions and both attract beneficial pollinators like bees
Sage
Complementary herb with matching sun and drainage needs, deters harmful insects
Sedum
Both low-growing, drought-tolerant plants that create excellent groundcover combinations
Yarrow
Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil health while tolerating similar conditions
Chamomile
Attracts beneficial insects and may enhance the essential oil production of thyme
Alliums
Natural pest deterrent that complements thyme's insect-repelling properties
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including thyme
Mint
Aggressive spreader that can outcompete and overwhelm low-growing thyme
Large Hosta
Creates too much shade and competes for space with low-growing thyme
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Aphids (rare), spider mites in hot weather
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils