Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: Thyme-Red Creeping |
A sun-loving herb valued as an ornamental groundcover. Forms a dense, flat mat of evergreen, dark green leaves that are smothered in bright magenta-red flowers from early thru midsummer. In fall, the foliage turns a beautiful bronze. Lovely between stones on a path or cascading over walls.
Origin: Not Native to North America
Characteristics:
Height:
2-4 Inches
Spread:
12 Inches
Flower Color:
Pink shades
Red shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Medium
When should it bloom?:
Early summer
Midsummer
Looking for seasonal interest?:
Evergreen (in some or all zones)
How's your soil?:
Average Soil
Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Container/Patio
Cottage
Formal
Rock Garden
Eclectic
Creeping thyme is native to hot, dry Mediterranean regions. Consequently it thrives in similar conditions in American gardens. Plant it in full sun and moderately fertile, average to dry, well-drained soil. (Keep plants watered until they are established.) Thyme benefits from occasional shearing after blooming to keep plants full and bushy. It does not need to be divided to stay healthy, but may need to be thinned out to prevent spreading.