Creeping thyme (Thymus) is a flowering ground cover with pointed blue-green leaves ideal for sunny areas. While not all types of creeping thyme are grown as herbs, they are in the mint family and have a pleasant scent; most can be used for cooking. Most thyme plants are perennial in moderate climates. While some thyme species are upright and shrub-like, creeping types are low-growing with a vine-like habit and can be a grass alternative that doesnt require mowing (it will also choke out weeds). They are principally grown for the fine texture of their leaves as they spread out to softly blanket the ground, but they also produce flowers of various colors, depending on the type.
The benefits of creeping thyme are that it is drought-resistant and generally low-maintenance (this plant can be grown in poor soil). It can be used as groundcover, in garden beds, between pavers, or grown in containers. Creeping thyme is deer-resistant.
As the chill of winter descends, most flowering plants retreat, their blossoms fading as they enter dormancy. Yet the hardy pink creeping thyme defies the cold, offering persistent pops of color when the landscape is otherwise bleak. As a passionate gardener, I’m always seeking plants that provide year-round interest. And I’ve found pink creeping thyme to be a stellar choice for adding winter charm.
Why Pink Creeping Thyme Stays Vibrant in Winter
Pink creeping thyme (Thymus praecox ‘Pink Chintz’) is a semi-evergreen subshrub with lovely pink flowers that bloom in summer. While most plants would surrender their blossoms to winter’s grasp, pink creeping thyme often retains its cheerful pink blooms even when frost kisses the garden.
Its tendency to hold onto flower color in cold months is linked to its perennial nature and winter hardiness As a hardy perennial groundcover, adapted to withstand freezing temperatures, the roots and plant structure remain alive below ground when above-ground growth dies back. For pink creeping thyme, this means that flowers already present heading into winter are sustained for longer than less hardy plants.
Additionally, some new sporadic flowering can occur in winter if temperatures briefly rise enough. The pink blooms that stubbornly linger provide striking color contrast against winter’s backdrop of browns and greys. They remind us that even in the darkest months, beauty persists.
Caring for Pink Creeping Thyme in Winter
While pink creeping thyme is cold hardy, a little winter care helps it thrive year after year. Here are some tips:
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Continue Watering: During winter dormancy, pink creeping thyme still requires moisture. Water when the soil begins to dry out.
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Mulch for Insulation: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch over the plant to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
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Prune Dead Growth: In late winter, prune out any dead or damaged growth to improve air circulation.
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Check Drainage: Ensure the soil drains well to prevent frost heave damage.
With a bit of care, the pink blooms of creeping thyme will delight you from summer through winter!
Design Uses for Pink Creeping Thyme
One reason I adore pink creeping thyme is its versatility in garden designs, providing gorgeous year-round curb appeal:
Groundcover
With its low-growing habit, pink creeping thyme shines as a groundcover. It forms a lush carpet of foliage and flowers perfect for filling in spaces. The pink blooms persisting into winter remain visible even beneath a light dusting of snow.
Rock Gardens
Tucked among rocks and boulders, pink creeping thyme cascades gracefully with its flowers contrasting beautifully against the neutral tones of stone.
Container Planting
Pink creeping thyme can be planted in pots and planter boxes. Position containers near walkways orentries so the pink blooms can be enjoyed up close, even in winter.
Front of Border
Plant pink creeping thyme along the front of flower beds and borders. The bright pink flowers stand out cheerfully against the bare winter garden backdrop.
Pathways and Stepping Stones
Flank pathways and stepping stones with pink creeping thyme. Its flowers weave through gaps, adding a pop of color underfoot.
Thyme Lawn Alternative
If you enjoy pink creeping thyme’s carpeting effect but not mowing lawns, it can substitute for turfgrass as a carefree groundcover. Compared to traditional lawns, pink creeping thyme has many advantages:
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Drought tolerant – Requires less watering once established.
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Stays green in winter – Provides year-round greenery.
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Soft texture – Its fine leaves feel wonderful underfoot.
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Lovely flowers – Pretty pink blooms persist into winter.
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Pest and disease resistant – Stays healthy with minimal care.
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No mowing needed – Just shear it back once a year!
Culinary Uses
An added benefit of pink creeping thyme is that it’s edible! The leaves have a mild, herbaceous flavor perfect for:
- Seasoning meats, soups, and stews
- Adding to omelets, pasta, and rice dishes
- Infusing olive oil, butter, and vinegar
- Crafting herbal teas and cocktails
So you can delight in its beauty in your garden and its flavor on your plate!
Pink Creeping Thyme Varieties
While ‘Pink Chintz’ is the most common variety, there are other options:
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‘Coccineus’ – Vibrant rose-pink flowers
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‘Red Creeping’ – Rich ruby red blooms
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‘Roseus’ – Soft baby pink flowers
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‘Coconut’ – White and pale pink bicolor blooms
Experiment with different types to find your favorite pink creeping thyme for winter cheer and summer coverage.
In Summary
Hardy, evergreen, and adorned with persistent pink blooms, creeping thyme is a jewel for winter landscapes. With proper siting and care, it continues spreading its colorful carpet when most plants are dormant. Whether clothing rocky crevices, spilling from containers, or substituting for lawn, pink creeping thyme infuses the dreary winter garden with enduring optimism.
Light
Keep your creeping thyme plant in full sun. This plant needs at least six hours daily to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may not flower as much as it would if kept in full sun.
How to Grow Creeping Thyme From Seed
You can start thyme from seed indoors in a small growing tray before the final frost, using a quality seed starting mix. Plant seeds on the surface of the mix with a bare covering of additional mix. (These seeds need light to germinate.) Keep the water evenly moist in a warm, bright spot about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. To moisten the top of the soil, use a spray bottle. The seeds should germinate within 14 to 21 days. Once the seedlings have 3 to 4 inches of growth, you can transplant them into a new container or plant them in the ground once the threat of frost has passed.
Everything You Need to Know About Creeping Thyme!
FAQ
What happens to creeping thyme in winter?
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Semi-Evergreen:Creeping thyme is generally considered semi-evergreen, meaning it will keep most of its leaves throughout the winter months.
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Winter Hardiness:It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 according to Yahoo and Garden Design.
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Mild Winters:In mild winters, it can remain green throughout the cold season.
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Colder Regions:In colder regions or during harsh winters, it may lose some foliage or experience dieback of stems, but it will usually bounce back in the spring.
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Overwintering:To help it survive harsh winters, consider mulching the plant with a layer of mulch to help retain soil temperature.
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Container Plants:If growing in a container, you may need to move it to a sheltered location during the coldest periods according to Gardening Know How and The Home Depot.
What are the downsides of creeping thyme?
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Slow Establishment:It can take a full growing season or more for creeping thyme to form a dense, solid ground cover, requiring patience during the initial stages.
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Limited Foot Traffic Tolerance:Unlike turf grass, creeping thyme doesn’t handle heavy foot traffic well and is best suited for areas with minimal walking.
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Needs Full Sun:Creeping thyme thrives in full sun, and it may become leggy and flower less if planted in shaded areas.
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Sensitive to Overwatering:It prefers well-drained soil and can be susceptible to root rot and fungal issues if overwatered.
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Higher Initial Cost:Installing a thyme ground cover, especially using plugs or starter plants, can be more expensive than planting grass from seed.
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Weeding:Regular weeding is necessary, especially during the initial stages of growth, to control invasive plants.
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Potential for Spreading:Creeping thyme can spread into nearby areas if not contained or regularly trimmed.
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Woody Growth:If not properly maintained, creeping thyme can become woody, requiring pruning or replacement.
Is red creeping thyme winter hardy?
Red Creeping Thyme is a great choice for zones 4-9. Size Information: The pot diameter is approximately 3.5 inches. Hardiness Zones: 4 (-30° to -20°)
How do you prepare creeping thyme for winter?
Overwintering. In zones with cold winters, thyme is semi-evergreen, which means it will remain mostly green and keep its leaves but may die back some and some branches may die. The best way to protect plants in colder USDA zones is by giving them a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch after the cold weather sets in.
When does creeping thyme bloom?
Creeping thyme, also known as ‘mother of thyme’, produces flowers with different shades of color, depending on the type. The vines begin to flower in the later springtime to early summer.
How to use thyme?
Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and works well in soups, roasted vegetables, pasta, sauces, pizzas, chicken, stews, eggs, fish and seafood, lasagna, pork, lamb, or beef.
Is creeping thyme a perennial?
Creeping thyme (Thymus) is a flowering ground cover with pointed blue-green leaves ideal for sunny areas. While not all types of creeping thyme are grown as herbs, they are in the mint family and have a pleasant scent; most can be used for cooking. Most thyme plants are perennial in moderate climates.
What colors are the flowers of creeping thyme?
Creeping lemon thyme, caraway thyme, and spicy orange thyme produce pink flowers, and the plant remains short, reaching a height of 4-inches. Both pink and red creeping thyme also stay short, reaching heights of 4-inches or less. The vines begin to flower in the later springtime to early summer.
Is red creeping thyme Hardy?
It is hardy in zones 2 to 9. Red creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’) has pink flowers. It grows 3 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. Wooly (or woolly) thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) has pale pink flowers. It grows 3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide, and is hardy in zones 5 to 8.
How can creeping thyme be used?
Creeping thyme can be used as a border around flowerbeds or as ground cover around tall perennials and shrubs. When the plants are flowering, simply brush against them to release their powerful and pleasing fragrance. Thyme is also a popular herb used in cooking.