The basic difference between them is that some are grown for culinary use and others are used primarily in landscaping. Both types are edible, but creeping thymes are usually small and tedious to harvest and are therefore more valuable as ground covers.
Which thyme is best for ground cover?
Caraway Thyme is the only culinary Ground Cover Thyme in the bunch. Lavender Thyme will spread like a ground cover but it does get taller and is more suitable for areas that need cover but don’t get walked on too much.
What are the different types of thyme?
ThymesLower classifications
What is the difference between thyme and wild thyme?
Wild Thyme is a perennial, more thickset than the Garden Thyme, though subject to many varieties, according to the surroundings in which it grows.
What is the best thyme to plant?
Those best for flavor, as well as ease of use, are the low-growing, shrubby ones known as English, French, lemon, or winter thyme.
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.
Can you mow over creeping thyme?
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.
Can creeping thyme be used in cooking?
Creeping thyme is in this category: not that it doesn’t have a pleasant smell and great taste, but it is just not used in cooking on a regular basis.
Are there 2 types of thyme?
There are dozens of different varieties of thyme, each with their own unique appearance and flavor. Some thyme varieties are better for culinary purposes, while others make better ornamentals. A few types of thyme even create a beautiful, low-growing ground cover.
What is the easiest thyme to grow?
Outdoors, German thyme is perennial in zones 5 to 9, lemon thyme in zones 7 to 9. Easy to grow, thyme needs little care except for a regular light pruning after the first year. Do this after the last spring frost, so that the plants do not get woody and brittle.
Does creeping thyme smell good?
The common name “creeping thyme” can refer to one of several woody-stemmed perennial species of the Thymus genus that are good groundcovers for sunny areas. While not all types are grown as herbs, they are in the mint family and have a pleasant scent; most can be used for cooking.
What is creeping thyme used for?
Often called the “mother of thyme,” creeping thyme thrives in full sun. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators—particularly bees and butterflies—and the mint-like flavor of its dark green leaves makes it deer-resistant. Gardeners often favor creeping thyme for landscaping, sometimes as a lawn substitute.
Is creeping thyme invasive?
So, let’s cut the chase — is creeping thyme really invasive? The answer is no; though it will spread fast in a garden, it won’t bother the other plants. Therefore, if you are looking for an attractive ground cover that smells nice and is also deer and rabbit resistant, you should definitely consider creeping thyme!
What can you not plant near thyme?
Although a variety of herbs (and even flowers, like marigolds and nasturtiums) can often be planted together, certain kinds like parsley, cilantro, tarragon, basil and chives prefer a more moist soil, and should not be planted directly with thyme.
Should I cut the flowers off my thyme plant?
Answer: You should remove the flowers from your thyme plant before they have bloomed if possible, while the blossoms are still just buds.
Is creeping thyme safe for 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.”
Will thyme take over grass?
How to Plant Thyme as a Lawn Substitute. The biggest problem with using thyme to replace grass is the work it will take preparing the site. It takes some doing to rid the area of all the existing grass. Of course, you can always go with the easy, albeit not so eco-friendly method of multiple applications of herbicide.
What does creeping thyme look like 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.
When should you plant creeping thyme?
Planting instructions
Creeping thyme does best in an area that gets about four hours of sun a day. Planting should be done in late spring or early summer, after the fear of frost has passed. This will allow the roots to establish themselves through the growing season.
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 far does creeping thyme spread?
Plants grow to a mature height of just one to two inches tall and a spread of 12 to 18 inches.