Species wild thyme
purple-pink flowers with green leaves and beige stems

wild thyme

Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'

Also Known As - creeping thyme
Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin') is a low-growing evergreen herb with tiny, fragrant, grey-green leaves. It has a strong citrusy-piney aroma that can be used to season foods. It forms a dense, mounded cushion, perfect for creating a low-maintenance garden or for tucking into rock gardens. Blooming in the summer months, it produces small lavender-pink flowers. This hardy plant prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and is cold and drought tolerant. Its tiny size makes it a great choice for edging a walkway or planting between stepping stones. Wild thyme is deer and rabbit resistant and attracts pollinators.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Deep pink Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Well-drained

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Wild Thyme should be watered moderately during the growing season, about once every 10 days when the soil is dry. Water thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes. Watering should be reduced during colder months in winter, or when the plant is dormant, as too much water can cause root rot. Avoid overwatering which can result in soggy soil.

sunlight

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin') requires full to partial sun for optimal growth. It should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote healthy growth and flowering. In areas of high summer heat, it may appreciate some afternoon shade for more optimal growth.

pruning

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin') should be pruned in early spring, preferably before new growth appears. Cut back stems that have grown longer than 6 inches, or that are dead, damaged, or overcrowded. Then lightly trim the remaining stems to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. If the foliage begins to thin out or look leggy in midsummer, a light trim can be beneficial.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Wild thyme typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' (wild thyme) can begin in June and continue through August.

Hardiness Map