Thymus praecox
Thymus praecox
Mother of Thyme

Thymus praecox is a creeping perennial which is used as a ground cover. Numerous somewhat woody stems form a flat mat with tiny, rounded, fuzzy, blue-green leaves. Clusters of tiny, tubular rose-purple flowers appear in summer. The flowers are attractive to bees. This variety of Thyme does not have much culinary value.

  • Height: 10-15 cm (4-6 in)
  • Spread: 41-46 cm (16-18 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of full sun
  • Bloom Time: mid summer
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: rose purple
  • Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
  • Nature Attraction: bees

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Creeping Thyme is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates drought and poor soils of somewhat low fertility. Loose, sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage are best. It dislikes moist to wet soils where it tends to rot. Cut back stems as necessary to maintain plant appearance. Thyme is evergreen where snow cover is good.

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