Creeping thyme (Thymus spp. and cvs., Zones 4–9) is a beneficial addition to nearly any backyard show. These diminutive perennials are as hardworking as they arrive, placing up with foot site visitors and difficult rising circumstances whereas serving nice profit to pollinators.
Which species of thyme depend as “creeping thyme?”
A number of years in the past, my colleagues and I made a decision to revamp one of many show gardens at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, Rhode Island. One of many key elements of the design was a garden various composed of various types of thyme. Nonetheless, not all thyme is created equal. In reality, if you’re in search of a creeping thyme that may unfold properly as a floor cowl, you wish to stick with the next:
Thymus serpyllum (Zones 4–8)
Thymus praecox (Zones 4–8)
or any of the various varieties, subspecies, crosses, or cultivars of those two species.
Wooly thyme, beforehand categorized as Thymus pseudolanuginosus, is now categorized as Thymus praecox subsp. britannicus (Zones 5–9), and likewise makes an excellent creeping floor cowl.
Amongst all of the vegetation that originate from these two species, purple would be the most typical flower shade, however you may additionally see purple, pink, or white blooms from totally different varieties. Sadly, neither of those two species is a very good substitute for culinary thyme (Thymus vulgaris, Zones 5–9). They’re greatest to be loved by our eyes and noses however not our tastebuds. Study extra about rising aromatic thyme and nice cultivars.
Which circumstances does creeping thyme want, and the way giant will it get?
Creeping thyme prefers sunny and dry circumstances in full solar as soon as established. I’ve discovered that some partial shade is tolerated, however full shade is detrimental. It may possibly set up a major footprint whether it is blissful in its location. Thymus serpyllum is the extra enthusiastic grower, with every plant rising to a few foot large. As thyme creeps alongside the soil floor, it can ship out roots to assist safe its place. That is useful in deterring runoff throughout rain occasions, nevertheless it additionally has the additional benefit of permitting us gardeners to multiply our bounty of vegetation! If you wish to transfer a part of your thyme plant to a brand new location, merely snip off the connection to the mom plant, carry the newly rooted part, and convey it to its new residence.
How do you develop creeping thyme as a garden various?
Straightforward to develop, straightforward to propagate—what else does this pretty plant have to supply? As I discussed in the beginning, creeping thyme is a superb selection for a garden various. It may possibly deal with some mild foot site visitors and is extraordinarily water-wise as soon as established. Because it flowers in summer season, I’d permit the bees area to reap the pollen throughout that interval. Due to this fact, if it’s a reasonably foot-trafficked space, interplant thyme amongst stepping stones to permit for area to stroll whereas the flowers are in bloom so that you simply don’t disturb the flowers’ development or the pollinators searching for them. Alternatively, in a bigger patch of thyme, you may mow a strolling path by the flowers. See extra garden alternate options for the Southeast.
Do it’s a must to reduce creeping thyme?
Thyme is such a low-maintenance queen. All it requires for pruning is a light-weight yearly trim-back in late fall or early spring to enhance its general look and to maintain the plant from changing into too woody. New development will spring up from the bottom.
Are you able to develop creeping thyme from seed?
In case you are the affected person sort with a good residence seeding setup, strive beginning creeping thyme from seed. It’s by far essentially the most economical approach to develop this darling plant. In case your inexperienced thumb isn’t able to be so daring, beginning with plugs or younger vegetation goes that can assist you obtain the look you need inside a rising season.
This extraordinarily rewarding, low-maintenance plant is a no brainer if you’re contemplating an easy-care garden various or floor cowl. Nonetheless, it seems simply as lovely rising in a backyard mattress.
To debate this plant or ask gardening questions, chat with a regional gardening professional on the Gardening Solutions discussion board.
And for extra Northeast regional stories, click on right here.
Betsy Ekholm is the gardens supervisor at Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum in Bristol, RI.
Pictures, except in any other case famous: Betsy Ekholm
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