Low-Growing Growth
Forms a dense, spreading mat that works well as a groundcover for borders, rock gardens, and pathways.
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Mother of Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), also known as Creeping Thyme or Wild Thyme, is a low-growing perennial herb with aromatic green foliage and small pink to purple flowers. It forms a spreading groundcover that is suitable for rock gardens, garden borders, pathways, and containers. It grows best in sunny locations with light, well-drained soil.
Forms a dense, spreading mat that works well as a groundcover for borders, rock gardens, and pathways.
Produces clusters of small pink to purple flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Features small, fragrant green leaves that add texture and natural interest to garden spaces.
Established plants tolerate dry conditions and grow well in sandy, rocky, and well-drained soil.
| Scientific Name | Thymus serpyllum |
| Common Name | Mother of Thyme; Creeping Thyme; Wild Thyme |
| Plant Family | Lamiaceae |
| Seed Type | Perennial Herb Seeds |
| Growth Habit | Low-growing, creeping, spreading perennial |
| Flower Color | Pink to purple |
| Foliage Color | Green to blue-green |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 4–9 |
| Planting Season | Spring to early summer |
| Seed Starting | Surface sow or lightly cover seeds with fine growing medium |
| Germination Time | Approximately 14–21 days under suitable conditions; may vary |
| Germination Temperature | 65–70°F |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Sandy, gritty, well-drained soil |
| Watering | Moderate watering during establishment; low water needs once established |
| Mature Plant Height | 2–3 inches |
| Plant Spread | Approximately 3–12 inches, depending on growing conditions |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 8–12 inches apart |
Mother of Thyme adds aromatic foliage and delicate pink-purple flowers to rock gardens, pathways, borders, and containers. Its creeping growth and drought tolerance make it a useful choice for low-maintenance garden groundcover planting.
Find useful information about Mother of Thyme Seeds, groundcover growth, flowering, and cultivation.
Mother of Thyme gradually spreads through creeping, rooting stems to form a dense groundcover. The time required depends on sunlight, soil drainage, moisture, and growing conditions.
Yes. Mother of Thyme is suitable for planting between stepping stones, along pathways, and in rock garden crevices. Its low-growing habit allows it to spread across suitable spaces with good drainage and sunlight.
Mother of Thyme typically blooms from early to late summer, producing small pink to deep purple flowers. Its blossoms attract bees and butterflies, adding seasonal color and pollinator interest to gardens.