Elfin thyme is a pop variety of creeping thyme grown for its attractive foliage and flowers . With the botanical name Thymus serpyllum ‘ Elfin ’ , this hardy perennial has unique growth habits and charge needs compared to other thyme plants . If you ’re conceive tot up elfin thyme to your garden , here is everything you need to know about this delightful ground cover .
What is Elfin Thyme?
Elfin thyme is a woody - based perennial in the mint family , Lamiaceae . It is a cultivar of wild thyme ( Thymus serpyllum ) selected for its compact , low growth riding habit . The species name “ serpyllum ” mean “ mouse ” in Greek , referring to its ground - hug stems .
Unlike common thyme which can grow 12 + inches tall , elfin thyme form a compressed mat only 1 - 3 inches in elevation . Its tiny leaves are arrange oppositely along the stems and its dainty pink , purple , or white flowers bloom in summer above the foliage . When not in efflorescence , elfin thyme is rate for its needle - like fragrant leaves that put out a pleasant scent when stepped on or brushed .
Key Features and Growing Conditions
Some of the fundamental features of elfin thyme include
Slow growth rate Under ideal experimental condition , elfin thyme grow at a charge per unit of less than 6 column inch per year . This makes it an first-class low alimony groundcover .
Evergreen foliage The midget leafage remain green and intact throughout wintertime in most climates , providing twelvemonth - rhythm grain and color .
Drought tolerance : Once established , elfin thyme only requires occasional tearing , thriving even in teetotal , rough area .
Sun exposure : Full Lord’s Day is expect for elfin thyme to flourish . At least 6 hours of direct sun per day is ideal .
Soil drainage : fantabulous drainage is critical . Elfin thyme suffers if dirt is constantly wet . contribute gumption helps improve drain .
Hardiness : zone 4 - 9 . Elfin thyme can withstand cold winters and is hardy even in freeze clime .
cervid resistance : Most type of wildlife tend to go forth elfin thyme alone due to its strongly sweet-smelling foliage . This get it a good option for gardens prostrate to cervid and hare damage .
How to Grow Elfin Thyme
Here are some confidential information for successfully growing elfin thyme :
Plant in natural spring or fall . Avoid summer heat when embed elfin thyme .
Give plenty of sun . secure the location go full sun for best growth .
Improve drainage . integrated sand or gravel into heavy soil before planting .
Space plants 12″ asunder . Allow enough room between plants for creeping stems to fill in .
urine meagerly after give . Too much wet can lead to root rot .
trim back lightly after efflorescence . Cutting back about half the plant life in mid - summertime encourages regrowth .
turn out back in late wintertime before fresh growth emerges . This optional pruning freshens plants before the natural spring growing time of year .
Propagate by division or cuttings . Dividing mature plants or taking 3 - 4 inch root word newspaper clipping in spring or summer will create new elfin thyme embed easily .
How to Use Elfin Thyme
In gain to being an attractive evergreen groundcover , elfin thyme has a concourse of exercise :
Its leaves and flowers add look when cooking . Use it unfermented or dried in recipes .
Makes a refreshful tea when leaves are engulf in spicy body of water .
Refreshing thyme oil can be made by steam distilling the anthesis tops .
Repels mosquito and other insects when plant around patios and paseo .
Planted between stepping stones or pavers , elfin thyme provides pleasant scent when trod upon .
Its ok grain and bright flowers make it ideal for rock garden and butt paths or flower bottom .
fantabulous choice for green roofs , retaining walls , and drain swales . Tolerates wretched soil and bind the basis well to prevent erosion .
With its chase after woody stems covered in lilliputian evergreen leaves and colored blossom , elfin thyme spend a penny a superb groundcover plant . Thymus serpyllum ‘ Elfin ’ thrives in full sun and dry conditions , providing year - round grain and fragrance . Once establish , it postulate little care and is not bothered by deer and rabbits . Both the foliage and blossom have culinary use as well . Elfin thyme is versatile , hardy , and beautiful – a welcome addition to any garden .
Have you heard of Elfin Thyme – Newlands Nursery
FAQ
Is Elfin creeping thyme invasive ?
What are the downsides of creeping thyme ?
Is elfin thyme the same as creeping thyme ?
Will Elfin Thyme spread ?
