Creeping Pink thyme, with almost an inch of stem between its sets of leaves, grows much more quickly than say a Pink Chintz Thyme or a Woolly Thyme whose leaves are very close together. Stem segments grow faster without having to produce tightly knit sets of leaves. Some thymes produce sets of leaves very close together while others are spaced further apart. Just like all plants, thyme plants spread by growing from one set of leaves to the next. Slower growing thymes are more appropriate for small spaces like those between flagstones. They will cover up stepping stones, spreading their stems onto paving searching for ground in which to root. It is also necessary to understand that all ground covers are not flat and lawn like.įaster growing thymes stuffed into a small space will disappoint with time. It is important to know the difference between a ground cover thyme that is appropriate for a two-inch space and one that is appropriate for a twenty foot space. But, different folks have different amounts of ground to cover and different expectations’ of what a ground cover is. Most folks want to use the Ground Cover Thymes to cover the ground. It is the Ground Cover Thymes that tend to confuse. There aren’t too many and their names are fairly descriptive, like Lemon Thyme and Orange Balsam Thyme. A blessing because there are so many different kinds and a curse because there are so many different kinds. It is being threatened by the fast growing Pink Lemonade Thyme which will probably take over both the Elfin Thyme and the Woolly Thyme in a year or so. If you look closely you can see a small patch of a slightly bluer thyme in between the two flowering ones. In the back, Pink Heretus Thyme is also in full bloom. The taller flowering Caraway Thyme is in the foreground to the right of the Woolly Thyme. It flows into the silvery, non-flowering Woolly Thyme near the boundary board which separates this garden from the lawn. Pink Lemonade Thyme is the bright green thyme that has the shadow of the tree on it. These five ground cover thymes of varying colors, textures and heights are growing in a pleasing mosaic. Once established, ground cover thymes also help to keep weed seeds from sprouting. It can be propagated by division however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.Ground Cover Thymes are not only beautiful and soft to walk on, they are also the perfect way to keep the ground cool and conserve moisture. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It prefers to grow in average to dry locations, and dislikes excessive moisture. This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 16 inches apart. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration Įlfin Creeping Thyme is recommended for the following landscape applications Įlfin Creeping Thyme will grow to be only 2 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 18 inches. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect. Its attractive tiny fragrant round leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the year.Įlfin Creeping Thyme is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Other Names: Mother-of-Thyme, Creeping ThymeĪ highly desirable and popular groundcover, forming a dense low mat completely covered in lavender flowers throughout summer, attractive fine and fragrant foliage the rest of the season needs a dry and sunny location, can take light foot trafficĮlfin Creeping Thyme is smothered in stunning lavender flowers at the ends of the stems from early to mid summer.
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