Complete Gardening
Transform your garden into a vibrant tapestry with creeping thyme, a delightful and versatile ground cover. Not only does it offer an array of colors and scents, but it also requires minimal maintenance.
These seven stunning varieties promise to elevate your outdoor space while being eco-friendly and visually pleasing. Explore the charm of creeping thyme and discover which variety suits your garden best.
1. ‘Elfin’ Thyme – The Classic Carpet
Imagine a plush, verdant rug that beckons you to walk barefoot. That’s ‘Elfin’ Thyme for you. Its soft and dense foliage stays under 2 inches tall, making it perfect for filling gaps between stepping stones. During summer, it adorns itself with tiny lavender flowers, adding a gentle pop of color.
Its charm lies not only in its appearance but also in its practicality. This thyme variety is barefoot-friendly, inviting garden strolls at any hour. Its resilience and aesthetic appeal make it a favorite among gardeners seeking both beauty and function.
2. ‘Red Creeping’ Thyme – The Showstopper
‘Red Creeping’ Thyme holds the title of garden showstopper. Its masses of magenta blooms from June to July create a stunning visual display. Known for spreading rapidly, it effectively crowds out weeds, making garden maintenance a breeze.
This thyme variety not only captivates with its colors but also excels in function. It handles light foot traffic with ease, perfect for active garden paths. Pair it with white alyssum for a delightful strawberries and cream effect, offering a garden both visually striking and practical.
3. ‘Pink Chintz’ Thyme – The Cottage Charmer
Envision a sun-drenched slope adorned with salmon-pink blossoms; that’s ‘Pink Chintz’ Thyme. This charming variety boasts fuzzy gray-green leaves that thrive in hot, dry conditions, offering a perfect solution for challenging garden spots.
A butterfly magnet, it adds life to any garden, attracting delicate winged visitors. Its unique scent, reminiscent of herbal tea, enchants the senses when brushed against. The allure of ‘Pink Chintz’ lies in its robust nature and its ability to transform any cottage garden into a picturesque retreat.
4. ‘White Creeping’ Thyme – The Moonlight Garden Star
Step into a moonlit garden where ‘White Creeping’ Thyme takes center stage. This variety offers a snowdrift of tiny white flowers that glow beautifully at dusk. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to create a serene evening retreat in their backyard.
With its cool contrast against dark mulch, it adds a layer of sophistication to garden designs. Pair it with dark-leaved heucheras for a striking visual impact. This thyme variety transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary, making night gardens a captivating experience.
5. ‘Woolly’ Thyme – The Silver Sensation
In modern gardens, ‘Woolly’ Thyme stands out as a silver sensation. Without flowers, its appeal lies in its fuzzy silver foliage, offering a unique texture to any landscape. It thrives in poor soil and is a champion of drought tolerance, making it a practical choice for challenging environments.
Its striking appearance adds a layer of sophistication and interest, perfect for minimalist garden designs. The understated elegance of ‘Woolly’ Thyme makes it a valuable addition to gardens seeking both form and function, delivering beauty through simplicity.
6. ‘Doone Valley’ Thyme – The Golden Wonder
‘Doone Valley’ Thyme adds a touch of enchantment to any garden with its chartreuse leaves and purple flowers. Known as the golden wonder, its lemon scent when crushed offers an aromatic experience. This variety provides year-round color in warm climates, enhancing garden aesthetics.
Though a slower spreader, its vivid hues make it worth the wait. Plant it densely to maximize its visual impact. ‘Doone Valley’ Thyme is not just a ground cover but a sensory delight, bringing both color and fragrance to garden landscapes.
7. ‘Coccineus’ Thyme – The Firecracker
Bring vibrancy to your garden with ‘Coccineus’ Thyme, known as the firecracker for its stunning crimson blooms. This variety is the fastest-growing thyme, effortlessly replacing traditional lawns with its rapid spread.
Its resilience goes beyond growth speed. Deer-proof by nature, it provides a hardy option for gardens in areas with wildlife presence. For those looking to transform their lawn, planting thyme plugs 8 inches apart can lead to a full thyme lawn in 2-3 years, making it a practical and beautiful choice.