Creeping thyme grows low to the ground, so you don’t have to mow it. (Most varieties don’t reach over 4”.) Although, if you prefer, you can mow once any flowers have died off. Most creeping thyme varieties flower, making it a pollinator-friendly turf replacement.
What happens if you mow creeping thyme?
Mowing creeping thyme too closely results in a sparse ground cover that may let weeds invade the garden bed.
Can you walk on creeping thyme lawn?
Thyme Alternative to Grass
A creeping thyme lawn is not only drought resistant, but it generally requires much less water than traditional turf grasses too. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, can be walked upon, and will rapidly spread to fill in a space.
Does creeping thyme take over?
Creeping thyme spreads rapidly after establishing to cover the yard in a dense mat and may take over the grass on a lawn. Since creeping thyme withstands poor soils and harsh conditions, this woody perennial can take over grass already weakened by extreme conditions. Still, it doesn’t grow longer than three inches.
Is creeping thyme better than grass?
Thyme makes a good, natural lawn replacement. Here’s how to grow this attractive, drought-resistant herb instead of grass. In an effort to reduce water use and time spent caring for lawns, some gardeners are replacing their turf with thyme. Thyme is an ideal grass alternative.
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
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.
Does creeping thyme choke out weeds?
Creeping Thyme
Not only will this groundcover help choke out weeds, but it will also provide colorful interest and a delectable fragrance to your garden.
Is creeping thyme toxic to dogs?
“The creeping thyme does well as a dog-friendly ground cover. Irish Moss, Labrador Violet, Miniature Stonecrop (although invasive, so be careful where you plant it) as well as snow in summer are rather dog-abuse-tolerant and are non-toxic.”
Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?
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.
How long does it take creeping thyme to 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.
How do you prune creeping thyme?
Prune back creeping thyme stems in the early spring to prepare the plant for the growing season ahead. Prune again after the flowers die back, usually by the end of summer. In late fall, after the first frost, prune the leggiest, woodiest stems by half. This pruning encourages vigorous, young growth in the spring.
Does creeping thyme get Woody?
Creeping thyme plants are evergreen woody shrubs that provide good groundcover and offer pleasant, mint-like aromas.
Where should I plant creeping thyme?
In a garden setting, this species looks best planted in a walkway, in between stepping stones or pavers, as creeping thyme is tolerant of moderate foot traffic and releases a pleasant aroma when its leaves are lightly crushed. It also works well in rock walls or as a dainty border planting.
Is thyme safe for dogs?
In short, yes. Thymus vulgaris, the type of thyme most commonly sold in grocery stores, is non-toxic and safe for dogs to consume. Your dog may eat small to moderate amounts of this fresh herb without any threat of toxicity or adverse effects to your dog’s health.
How tall does creeping thyme get?
Creeping thyme is a dwarf, low-growing, creeping, woody evergreen. It is grown primarily as an ornamental groundcover. The plant’s leaves are aromatic, but it is not typically used in cooking. It measures 2-3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide.
What grows well with creeping thyme?
Thymes blend well with other plants, too. Perennials such as betony, bee balm, sage, allium, pincushion flower, artemisia, yarrow, and iris make interesting companions. I like to grow the betony and drumstick allium underplanted with a creeping thyme.
How do you encourage creeping thyme to spread?
Small leaves across the stem segments need a full sunlight location to adequately photosynthesize. Creeping thyme relies on this energy production for spreading speed and successful flowering. If you have a shady area, such as from an overgrown tree, creeping thyme responds with poor flowering and reduced spreading.
How many years does thyme last?
Thyme is a perennial herb that often only lives for 5 or 6 years even with good care. After 3 years thyme plants growth tends to slow down and produce less leaves with a weak aroma and inferior flavour compared to younger thyme plants.
Does creeping thyme attract bugs?
Creeping thyme attracts aphids as well as spider mites. Aphids always gather at the tender stems and leaves of plants and are visible to the naked eye. These can be removed using a strong, fine water spray or through spraying with an insecticidal soap.
What is the best low maintenance ground cover?
The Best Low-Maintenance Ground Covers for Your Garden
- Heuchera. 2/16.
- Honeysuckle. 3/16.
- Brass Buttons. 4/16.
- Creeping Phlox. 5/16.
- Creeping Jenny. 6/16.
- Stonecrop. 7/16.
- Vinca Minor. 8/16.
- Lamium. 9/16.
How do you keep weeds out of creeping thyme?
After planting and initial weeding, place mulch, such as gravel or light organic material around the plants to further deter weeds. Be careful not to apply dense mulch that inhibits water drainage. Once your thyme plants have started growing, the space in between plants will fill in, and that will smother most weeds.