Creeping Thyme Thymus praecox
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Creeping Thyme:
- Phonetic Spelling
- THY-mus PRAY-koks
- Description
-
Creeping thyme is pollinated by insects, including honey bees which are especially attracted to the nectar-rich flowers. It will tolerate light foot traffic and releases a fragrance with footfalls, making it a good selection for placing between stepping stones on paths.
Its oil from the leaves can serve as an antiseptic, deodorant or disinfectant. The oil can be taken while the plant is fresh or dried.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: It may be affected by root rot when planted in areas with poor drainage.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Rock Herb Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Splendens'
- 'Splendens'
- 'Splendens'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Splendens'
- 'Splendens'
- 'Splendens'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Thymus
- Species:
- praecox
- Family:
- Lamiaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern, western, and central Europe.
- Wildlife Value:
- Nectar from flowers attracts bees. and butterflies.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Fragrance
- Edibility:
- Leaves can be used to flavor food.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 3 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Herb
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Creeping
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Tubular
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Tiny flowers appear in clusters.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Blue
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are evergreen.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Rock Wall
- Small Space
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cottage Garden
- Fairy Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Foot Traffic
