Thymus serpyllum (Purple Creeping Thyme) is a perennial ornamental that is native to most of Europe and northern Africa. Purple Creeping Thyme is an ideal plant for borders, rock gardens, edging and as a lightly trafficked lawn substitute. The purple coloured strongly scented flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Suitable for Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
Thymus serpyllum is also commonly referred to as Wild Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Breckland Thyme or Elfin Thyme and although related to the most infamous culinary herb Thymus vulgaris is not eaten or used for medicinal purposes.
Purple Creeping Thyme is instead used as an ornamental to decorate temperate gardens around the world. Although it is called Purple Creeping Thyme, flowers of this species can include colours such as pink, magenta, lilac and rarely even white.
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Growth
Thymus serpyllum is a perennial flowering groundcover that grows no higher than 5cm (2 inches) high but can spread indefinitely. Purple Creeping Thyme enjoys moist, well-draining soils but can be damaged waterlogged for too long. During winter in colder climates, Thymus serpyllum can become a semi-evergreen and dies back briefly until the Spring returns.
Ideal as a groundcover or filler for small spaces or between stepping stones, Purple Creeping Thyme is also used to cascade over rock ledges and as border. It can also be used as a substitute for a lawn but tolerates only the occasional foot traffic.
The scented flowers grow in clusters and produce different aromas depending on the time of year and the conditions. Flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies and in warmer climates have a long season.
When grown from seed, Purple Creeping Thyme takes around 3-4 months to start flowering.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lamiaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10-30°C / 14-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun. Part-Shade in sub-tropical or warmer climates.
HEIGHT:
Up to 5cm (2 inches)
WIDTH:
Up to 5 metres (16 feet)
pH:
4.5-6.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees
MATURITY:
100-120 days
GERMINATION RATES:
70-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
21-28 days at temperatures between 20-25°C / 68-77°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 8000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No.
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT THYMUS SERPYLLUM (Purple Creeping Thyme)
The specific epithet ‘serpyllum’ is derived from Greek meaning creeping which is in reference to the trailing growth habit of this species.
Purple Creeping Thyme is a key plant for both the Common Blue Butterfly and the Large Blue Butterfly as it is used to feed their larvae.
The lifespan of Thymus serpyllum is around 5 years.
For more information about the growing Purple Creeping Thyme please click here.
