Ground coverThymus serpyllum
Wild Thyme
Wild thyme is a creeping, aromatic ground cover that forms a dense carpet of pink-purple flowers in summer. The plant grows only a few centimetres tall but spreads gracefully, making it ideal between paving stones, on walls, or as a lawn replacement in dry spots. Every step on the carpet releases a delightful thyme fragrance.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 5–10 cm
- Spread
- 30–50 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 4–9
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Evergreen
- Yes
- Flower colors
- pink, purple
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, poor soil. Wild thyme tolerates extreme drought and heat and thrives even in cracks and crevices. Barely water — only during very prolonged drought. No feeding needed. The plant is fully hardy and evergreen.
Pruning tips
Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, dense carpet. Use shears or a mower on the highest setting. Fill any bare patches by gently guiding adjacent runners over the gap and securing with a little soil.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
Ground coverAjuga reptans
Bugleweed
Bugleweed is a robust ground cover that spreads rapidly through runners. From April to June, dense spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above the dark green, glossy foliage. The plant is evergreen and forms a continuous carpet within a single growing season.
HerbsOriganum vulgare
Oregano
Oregano is an aromatic herb that is indispensable not only in the kitchen but also in the garden. From July to September, clouds of small pink-purple flowers appear, acting as a magnet for bees and butterflies. The herb forms dense clumps of oval, fragrant leaves and releases a warm, spicy scent when touched.