Creeping Thyme
thymus serpyllum
Also known as: ["Wild Thyme","Mother of Thyme","Woolly Thyme"]
Overview
A low-growing, aromatic herbaceous perennial with tiny, fragrant leaves and pink-purple flowers, often used in culinary and medicinal applications.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","medicinal use","culinary herb","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","ground cover"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Thymus |
| Botanical Name: | Thymus serpyllum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown indoors in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring; light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if plant becomes woody.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sun; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; place in brightest spot indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; topdress with compost annually.
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 4–9; prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates frost but needs protection below 0°F (-18°C).
Protect from freezing winds; avoid placing near drafty windows; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix like perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips or shear evenly; avoid cutting into old wood.
Pruning Plan
Encourage bushiness and prevent legginess; remove dead or overgrown stems.
Tools
Sharp pruners or scissors, clean gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools; prune in early spring; remove dead/damaged stems; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for soil refresh.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; avoid wet foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pH is balanced.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning in extreme cold; stunted growth or legginess in insufficient warmth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may die back in severe frost; roots can rot in waterlogged soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; move potted plants to sheltered spots; ensure soil is not overly wet.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or cessation of growth in extreme heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThymus serpyllum is not considered toxic to cats. It is safe for cats to ingest in small quantities, and it is sometimes used in cat-safe herbal remedies.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicThymus serpyllum is not considered toxic to dogs. It is safe for dogs to ingest in small quantities, and it is sometimes used in dog-safe herbal remedies.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicThymus serpyllum, commonly known as Creeping Thyme, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is often used in culinary applications and traditional medicine for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Creeping Thyme edible?
A: Yes, it is commonly used in culinary dishes for its aromatic flavor.
Q: Does Creeping Thyme attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should Creeping Thyme be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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