Planting Creeping Thyme Lawn: 10 Factors to Consider
Creeping thyme is a perennial native to northern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It has a modest growth rate and can be replaced by turf grass. This type of lawn is low-growing and has a lifespan of more than two years. Its fragrant blooms attract pollinators with abundant tubular blooms in vivid pink and purple from June to early September, creating a thick, colorful mat.
To help you determine if planting creeping thyme lawn is the correct choice for your property, we have created a list of factors to consider.
Thyme: An Alternative To Grass
Creeping thyme is one of the few plants that offers brilliant spring blooms, lovely covering, and minimal upkeep. This herbaceous plant, also called Mother of Thyme, can spread over time and form a dense carpet of fuzzy, delicate leaves. The majority of plant nurseries carry creeping thyme plants. Choosing a thyme ground cover is ideal for dry locations and areas with poor soil.
What Factors Contribute to the Rising Popularity of Creeping Thyme Lawns?
Despite regular, tedious maintenance, many grass lawns can lose their lush green look and become patchy and unappealing. Creeping thyme is a viable evergreen alternative grass, offering numerous benefits.
- Drought-Resistant
Creeping thyme lawns are drought-resistant and require less watering than traditional grass lawns. - No Mowing Necessary
Creeping thyme lawns don’t require mowing, but bushy types may be mowed once a year. - No Need to Replant
Classified as perennials–meaning they grow and spread year-round - Aesthetically Pleasing
Becomes a carpet of attractive lavender and pink flowers that last into the season. - Pleasant Aroma
Gives off a beautiful aroma, which can serve multiple purposes. - Attracts Pollinators and Repels Pests
The fragrance of creeping thyme flowers and nectar attracts bees and butterflies while repelling deer, rabbits, and mosquitoes - Keeps Weeds at Bay
Thick growth of creeping thyme lawn prevents weeds from invading - No Need to Fertilize
Creeping thyme lawn is low-maintenance and does not need fertilizer - You Can Walk On It
Once established, thyme can be walked on, but not too much, especially when dry - Potential Herb Garden
Thyme leaves can be used for various culinary purposes.
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Are There Different Types of Creeping Thyme?
Yes, there are multiple types of creeping thyme including red, Elfin, and Woolly. Not every type will “creep.” Most can withstand deer and grow in challenging environments.
What is Red Creeping Thyme?
Red creeping thyme is a popular ground cover variety known for its attractive red blooms. Its stem grows horizontally, forming new roots when it touches the soil instead of “creeping and spreading.
What is Woolly Thyme?
Woolly thyme is a creeping thyme that grows quickly, tolerates foot traffic, and creates a lovely lawn.
What is Elfin Thyme?
One of the tiniest thymes, Elfin thyme grows slowly, making it ideal for planting around locations like sidewalks and stepping stones that you don’t want fully covered in thyme.
There are also many more kinds of thyme to take into account. Before planting creeping thyme lawn on your property, we recommend researching each category to ensure you make a correct decision. It’s recommended to ask a local landscaper for guidance on which types are most appropriate for your region.
What Are the Downsides of Creeping Thyme?
Thyme lawns are more expensive than grass and turf lawns and may require more labor to prepare and establish the ground.
Downsides include:
- Moderate to high initial cost due to higher labor requirements.
- Slow-growing in the first year, so it requires patience.
- It requires significant work for initial labor and soil preparation.
- Tolerates less foot traffic, but thrives around pavers or stepping stones.
- Flowers attract bees and may need regular mowing if you want to minimize them.
- Potential for woody growth if not mowed or pruned.
- Woody plants may need replacement with younger ones.
Caring Tips for Creeping Thyme
Light
Ensure at least six hours of full sun for optimal growth.
Soil
Tolerates poor soils, and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
Water
Prefers dry to medium soil moisture, gradually reducing watering frequency to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer
Typically not needed, but balanced fertilizer can be beneficial in low-nutrient soils.
Temperature
Prefers dry, good airflow, but should be vigilant when temperatures get hot to prevent excessive drying.
How to Plant Creeping Thyme in Easy Steps
Smother the Grass
To seed thyme successfully, the labor-intensive step of removing existing grass is crucial. Before you can seed thyme, you’ll need to remove your lawn grass. This is the most labor-intensive step, but it will dramatically improve your thyme lawn success.
Test Soil and Apply Compost
A soil pH meter measures soil acidity, with green plants in the background. Test the soil and adjust the pH if needed. Prepare for seeding with creeping thyme, tolerant of well-drained soils but susceptible to root rot and waterlogged soils.
Choose Your Variety
There are many varieties of creeping thyme lawn for different tastes and climates. All of these plants create a low-growing, dense carpet of aromatic leaves, but some are better suited for specific aesthetics.
Sow the Seeds
Direct seeding is the most cost-effective method for lawn establishment while purchasing plug flats or starting indoors can be more expensive and time-consuming. Transplanting is recommended for small lawns.
Water Consistently
During the establishment phase, provide consistent moisture and check your creeping thyme lawn daily. Once rooted, plants become drought-resistant, requiring less water. Remove weeds early and reduce watering after the first month. Monitor plants for signs of overwatering or soil dilution.
Prune or Mow 1-3 Times per Season
Pruning thyme leaves involves a precise and controlled process, ensuring a healthy plant and fresh leaves for culinary use. Seeding in the fall allows for a few mowings per year. The herb can self-sow, thriving for ten years or more.
Are There Reasons to Choose Against Planting Creeping Thyme Lawn?
Before ordering thyme plugs from local landscapers, consider your location and desired xeriscaping area. Thyme is not winter-hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 and lower but is suitable for Zones 4 through 10. For shaded lawns, creeping thyme may not be suitable. Thyme needs four to six hours of direct sun exposure daily to prevent wilting. Poor drainage or soggy lawns can lead to root rot, causing the thyme to lose its roots.
Creeping Thyme Lawn FAQs
Are there different colors of creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme is a great group of ornamental ground covers enjoyed for their wonderfully textural mat-like stems and foliage and the showy flowers that bloom in colors of white, pink, rose, and rose-red. The blooms rest right on top of the flat branches that create a blanket of color in full bloom.
Which creeping thyme spreads fastest?
Creeping pink thyme, with almost an inch of stem between its sets of leaves, grows much more quickly than, say, a pink chintz thyme or a wooly thyme whose leaves are very close together. The increased stem segment also provides a greater rooting zone for the thyme allowing it to spread faster.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
So, is Creeping Thyme a dog’s bane? Not exactly. It’s not classified as highly toxic, but it’s not a canine superfood either. In moderation, it’s unlikely to cause harm, but in larger quantities, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress.
How long does it take for creeping thyme to spread?
Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.
Professional Lawn Care Services
If you need assistance treating lawn diseases or other issues on your property, contact our team members to receive support. Our professionals offer exceptional lawn care services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and other areas across the nation. Our available lawn care options include fertilization, aeration, seeding, disease control, and tree or shrub care. Our staff will work with you to boost your curb appeal.
