Creeping Thyme Thymus praecox

Creeping Thyme is a low-growing, creeping, woody-based perennial. It is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family. The plant has a spicy fragrance and may be used as a lawn substitute. Due to its creeping habit, it forms a dense mat that tolerates moderate foot traffic. Although it is a member of the thyme family, it is rarely used as a culinary herb. Other common names for this plant include Mother of Thyme and Woolly Thyme.

This herbaceous perennial is a native of Greenland, Europe, and Turkey.

The origin of the word "thyme" is from the Greek word thumos, which means courage. In the past, thyme was thought to have been an emblem of bravery. The word "thyme" may also have been derived from the Greek word thymos, meaning "perfume." The plants of this genus are typically fragrant. The species name, praecox, is Latin and means "very early." This may refer to its early flowering.

Creeping Thyme performs best in full sun and well-drained soils. The plant does well in sandy or rocky soils. It is intolerant of wet or poorly drained soils. The plant requires very little maintenance. It will remain evergreen during mild winters. Pruning of the stems is recommended to maintain their appearance. 

The common method of propagation is by division in the spring or late fall. Semi-hard cuttings may be obtained in mid to late summer.

The stems tend to spread out horizontally and take root to form a flat mat. The plant measures 3 to 6 inches tall. The leaves are fuzzy, fragrant, and bluish-green in color. The flowers are tiny, tubular, pinkish-purple blooms that appear from June to September. The fruit is a schizocarp.

Creeping Thyme attracts bees and butterflies. It is deer and rabbit resistant. It may be used as a container plant, groundcover, or as a border for patios or sidewalks. It may also be grown to sprawl over rocks, ledges, or cover a dry bank. Since it tolerates foot traffic, it makes a lovely groundcover as a lawn substitute or to fill in between pavers.

Quick ID HInts:

• Leaves hairy, ovate, bluish-green
• Spicy fragrance
• Tiny tubular pinkish-purple flower, depending on the cultivar
• Hairy, creeping, horizontal stems
• Groundcover

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

There are no significant insect or disease problems except for possible slugs. It may be affected by root rot when planted in areas with poor drainage.