The herb thyme ( Thymus spp . ) comes in many dissimilar variety , including low-pitched - growing groundcovers known ascreeping thymes . This aromatic group encompasses several dissimilar metal money , all of which spread at unlike rate . Whether you need to fulfil a midget , tight space on a flagstone path or carpet a large orbit beneath a bush , take the right creep thyme for the job help assure you ’ll get the results you trust .
Growth Habit
Step 1
Creeping thyme height vary from 1 to 4 inches with feast up to 24 inch or more . Foliage colors set out from silverish gray to sour green . Some flower very little ; others burst into profusions of red , rosaceous , lavender or clean . All creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground ’s open to periodically grow leaves and ancestor . Those with recollective section between leaves address ground speedily but finish up being much less dumb . Types with short stems spend less vim spreading and more making leaves and roots . These type grow more tardily but leave in dense carpeting that can even withstand some foot dealings . The less space between leaves , the slower your thyme will distribute . foresightful segments mean faster increment . Generally , mouse thyme takes one class to get established , and then begins to spread in its second season .
Culture
Native to Mediterranean regions , creep thymes prefer dry , well - drained locations with mediocre land and five or more hours of daily Dominicus . Although they tolerate drought , rocky soils , air contamination and even deer , they do n’t cover humidity or overwatering well . Too much H2O or cloggy , badly run out soils track to stem rotting , and failure to fly high and spread at normal rates . Dryness actually meliorate this plant ’s vigor , and nonfertile filth increase redolent crude oil . Regardless of variety , the shallow roots bide near the surface . To limit them , pull them out , but select the right character upfront alternatively so you’re able to pass metre enjoying its beauty instead of preventing it from distribute where you never destine it to go .
Fast Spreaders
Fast - spreading creeper will occupy enceinte areas by the end of their second time of year . " Pink Ripple " ( Thymus serpyllum " Pink Ripple " ) promptly spreads to 18 inches with its clean , lemony aroma . It is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 . Creeping pink thyme ( Thymus praecox arcticus ) , sturdy in USDA geographical zone 5 though 9 , comprehend 18 to 24 column inch by the end of its second class . It has 1- to 2 - inch stem segments and deep , ruby-red - purple flowers . Caraway thyme ( Thymus herba - barona ) , the only creep thyme with culinary economic value , transport out caraway - scented leafage on vigorous red stems that will distribute to 24 inch or more in two seasons . Use it only where space is not a concern . Hardy in USDA zone 5 through 11 , it reaches 4 inches tall with fortunate pink flower .
Slow Spreaders
mean spots call for slowly - overspread thymes that complement rather than conceal . Woolly thyme ’s ( Thymus pseudolanuginosus ) fuzzy leafage tardily take shape a handsome , obtuse , silvern lusterlessness just 1 inch tall . It eventually extend to 12 inch across by the end of its second time of year . Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 , it tolerates light shade but seldom blooms . " Pink Chintz " ( Thymus serpyllum " Pink Chintz " ) , hardy in USDA zona 4 through 9 , spreads to 12 to 18 inches in two season with little , white-haired leaves and pink blooms . " Elfin " ( Thymus praecox arcticus " Elfin " ) , hardy in USDA zones 4 though 8 , is among the slowest - growing thymes of all . Its diminutive leave-taking form a obtuse cushion 1 to 2 inches tall , complete for your tiniest spaces , as it spreads barely 6 column inch its first two class .
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