A slightly mounding growth habit will result from lower sun exposure.Īs a named variety, Elfin thyme is only reproduced by vegetative propagation, as if it’s seed propagated it won’t always come true. Grown in full sun or at least four to six hours of sun will give it compact flat growth. Don’t plant it under eaves or where it will get winter wet, and don’t use salt based de-icers as this will kill it. Plant in very well drained soil if you have clay soil, add some turkey grit or small gravel for extra drainage. The perfect time to do this is if a good rainy spell is in the forecast as hot and dry weather can put an end to them quickly. This year, they are all blooming and filling in nicely. Two years ago, I pulled up generous clumps from an established planting and gave them to the Stairway to Heaven. One of my favorite uses for this variety of thyme is planted around stone steps it fills in quickly and cascades down to cover the sides to soften them. I love the texture of Elfin thyme, like a rough carpet to wriggle your toes in. Pruned back to control the growth just encourages it to grow thicker than ever. The honey made from all kinds of thyme is sought after by the connoisseur. I plant it specifically to attract bees because of the huge quantities of wild pollinators and domestic honeybees that come for the nectar it produces in abundance. This is a very pretty plant, seldom bothered by die-back or diseases. It forms dense, 1 to 2 inch high mats of tiny glossy leaves and equally tiny violet-lavender flowers. The way the growth appears like scales, on this extremely low-to-the-ground variety is unique. Elfin is one of the best and our favorite of the creeping thymes. The very fine, compact growth of medium green tiny leaves is covered in pink blooms for about three weeks at the end of June or into July. Creeping thyme plants can become woody over time. It grows 3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide, and is hardy in zones 5 to 8. Wooly (or woolly) thyme (Thymus pseudolanuginosus) has pale pink flowers. It grows 3 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. They will grow best in full sun, although they will tolerate some shade. Red creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus') has pink flowers. Like most herb plants, creeping thyme seems to thrive in poor soils. Thymus serphyllum ‘Elfin’ or Elfin thyme is without a doubt the most perfect thyme to plant in pathways, patios and as a thyme lawn. Creeping thyme plants grow best in well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Other links on this site may lead to other companies that I’m associated with. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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