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JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Lamiaceae
Thymus praecox var. arcticus
Creeping Thyme
Mother-of-thyme is an evergreen mat-forming subshrub grown for its fragrant leaves and its summer display of pinkish purple flowers. They are deep purple in bud, giving the plant a bicolor look.
Plant this Mediterranean native in light, well-drained soil in full sun. Thymes are easy-going, drought-tolerant plants with minimal maintenance requirements. Cut back established plants in early spring to keep them compact and trim them lightly after flowering. Mother-of-thyme attracts bees. It is often grown as filler between paving stones or in lawns where its fragrance is released when stepped on. Try mother-of-thyme as a groundcover, in rock gardens, or in herb gardens. The leaves can be used fresh or dry as seasoning or in potpourris.
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
30"-36" / 76.2cm - 91.4cm
Summer
Southern Europe, Mediterranean
Neutral, Alkaline
Average
Loam, Sand
Drought
Slow
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Prostrate/Trailing
Showy
Purple
Dark Green
No
Yes
Single
Fine
Matte
Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Lawns and Turf, Rock Garden / Wall
Butterflies
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