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James H. Schutte
Lamiaceae
Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus'
Creeping Thyme
Like most thyme species, this European native creeper is both culinarily delicious and ornamental. Creeping thyme is a low-growing, evergreen to semi-evergreen, mat-forming, subshrub grown for its fragrant herbal leaves and spring or summer display of white flowers.
Tiny, green leaves line the dense, twiggy stems of creeping thyme. In Mediterranean climates they are fully evergreen but may prove to be semi-evergreen in colder zones. Springtime brings a wealth of fragrant flower clusters that range in color from pale lavender to deep lavender purple. Bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators cloud around the small, two-lipped, nectar-filled blooms. Small seeds follow and may fall to the ground and self-sow.
Full to partial sun is needed to keep creeping thyme healthy and beautiful. It grows best in porous, gravelly or sandy soil with moderate fertility. When well established, this thyme is quite heat and drought tolerant. Plants can spread vigorously and may need to be cut back or divided from time to time.
Thyme is a must for the herb garden but also makes a perfect addition to rock gardens or as filler between paving stones where its fragrance is released when stepped on. The leaves can be used fresh or dry to season fish, meats or vegetables.
9 - 5
5 - 9
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
3"-6" / 7.6cm - 15.2cm
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
Summer
Southern Europe
Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Prostrate/Trailing
Showy
White
Dark Green
No
Yes
Single
Fine
Matte
Container, Edging, Groundcover, Herb / Vegetable, Lawns and Turf, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
Butterflies
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