thyme ground cover

Can thyme be used as ground cover?

Thymes are versatile, colorful, and fragrant plants, offering masses of delicate, starlike flowers. Tuck a thyme into a dry wall, stone walkway, or rock garden. Use it as a ground cover or as an edging for a perennial border. These hardy little plants add swaths of color and fragrance in unexpected places.

How quickly does creeping thyme spread?

Generally, creeping thyme takes one year to get established, and then begins to spread in its second season. The herb thyme (Thymus spp.) All creeping thymes spread by sending stems along the ground's surface to periodically grow leaves and roots.

Is creeping thyme a good ground cover?

Creeping thyme plants generally stay short and can be effective ground covers. Some people go as far as using them as grass alternatives. A more common use for them is as a ground cover to fill in the spaces between stepping stones, although caraway thyme may be too aggressive for this purpose.

Is creeping thyme invasive?

This plant is considered an invasive species in some habitats, and tends to thrive in disturbed sites that are shady and poorly drained. Resources Resources New Customer Our Shipping Services. Weeds Taking Over Creeping Thyme - I recently planted my backyard in creeping thyme.

Is creeping thyme poisonous to dogs?

Safe Herbs for Dogs

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and creeping or wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) are drought-tolerant evergreens that are safe for dogs and bloom in the spring and early summer. ... Rosemary and creeping thyme grow best in full sun but will also grow in bright shade.

Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?

Thyme. Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.

Does creeping thyme die in winter?

Winter Care

Depending on your location, creeping thyme will either remain evergreen or it will lose its leaves and some stems will die over the winter. You don't need to prune it, but to protect it as much as possible you can cover it with sand or gravel over the winter.

Will creeping thyme choke out weeds?

Red creeping thyme adds appeal to your landscape during springtime, however they are most gorgeous throughout summer as they burst open in stunning crimson flowers. They form a thick mat and are very effective in choking out weeds. ... It covers a large area rapidly and chokes out weeds.

Does creeping thyme attract bugs?

Creeping thyme is a vining plant that creates an excellent ground cover for rock and herb gardens. Even though they have different appearances all three can be used as culinary or medicinal herbs. It attracts beneficial insects.

Will creeping thyme kill grass?

1) Yes, you must remove all the turf grass before you plant thyme. You didn't say this, but I am assuming your existing lawn is Kentucky Bluegrass which is the typical turf in Denver. If not removed, KBG will act as a weed in your thyme and because it is rhizomatous, it will spread and take over.

When should I plant creeping thyme?

Start seeds when growing creeping thyme indoors or they may be sown in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. Plant creeping thyme 8 to 12 inches (20-30 cm.) apart to allow for its spreading habitat.

What is the easiest ground cover to grow?

The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden

Heuchera. 1/11. An evergreen perennial, heuchera is known for its vibrant foliage, which ranges in color from silver to green to brown. ...
Honeysuckle. 2/11. ...
Brass Buttons. 3/11. ...
Creeping Phlox. 4/11. ...
Creeping Jenny. 5/11. ...
Stonecrop. 6/11. ...
Vinca Minor. 7/11. ...
Lamium. 8/11.

Will creeping thyme kill other plants?

Will creeping thyme smother perennial plants if they are planted around them or will the perennial plants come up through the thyme? You should not have any issue with Creeping Thyme overtaking your perennials.

Will thyme take over my garden?

Mint, oregano, pennyroyal and even thyme will spread through underground runners and can quickly take over the garden. They can be hard to remove as small bits of roots left behind can grow into full plants.

How do you prune creeping thyme?

Prune thyme in the early spring once you see new growth starting. Look for the new growth at the base of the plant or from the lower stems. Once you notice new growth, use small garden shears or scissors to trim off about ⅓ of the oldest, woodiest parts of the plant. Do not trim the new growth.

Is Red creeping thyme safe for pets?

Yes, the red creeping thyme is safe for cats.

What color is creeping thyme?

Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'

Average Size at Maturity	Slow grower to 3 to 6 in. tall, 12 to 18 in. wide.
Flower Color	Red
Foliage Color	Green
Garden Style	Cottage, Mediterranean, Rustic
Growth Rate	Slow

Is lemon thyme safe for dogs?

As far as we know, most herbs—your rosemary, thyme, basil and dill—are safe for cats and dogs, but there is one that frequently colors a person's garden that can cause a sometimes severe—and definitely strange— illness.

Can you mow over creeping thyme?

Plant the thyme plugs about 8 inches (20 cm.) apart and water in well. Thereafter, say goodbye to fertilizing, thatching, regular watering, and even mowing if you so desire. Some people do mow the thyme lawn after flowers are spent, but it's okay to be a little lazy and leave the area as is.

Do lavender plants repel mosquitoes?

Lavender. Lavender can repel flying insects like mosquitos, moths, and flies. The flower's perfume is well-known, and while it will scent the air, the most effective way to use it for pest control is to rub the plant on your skin to release its oils.

Is lemon thyme a good ground cover?

A popular herb grown not only for its culinary uses but for its attractive foliage, lemon thyme plants can be planted to form a ground cover or among pavers along a path or patio. The tiny flowers are a bee attractor, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.