Is elfin thyme the same as creeping thyme?

Is elfin thyme the same as creeping thyme?

The two species of thyme most often referred to as Elfin Thyme are Thymus serpyllum and Thymus praecox. Traditionally, creeping thyme has been used as an evergreen ground-cover and often used in rock gardens and in between stepping stones.

How fast does elfin thyme spread?

“Elfin” (Thymus praecox arcticus “Elfin”), hardy in USDA zones 4 though 8, is among the slowest-growing thymes of all. Its diminutive leaves form a dense cushion 1 to 2 inches tall, perfect for your tiniest spaces, as it spreads barely 6 inches its first two years.

Is Thymus serpyllum perennial?

Thymus serpyllum, commonly called wild thyme, creeping thyme or mother-of-thyme, is a hairy, prostrate, creeping, woody-based perennial which is primarily grown as an ornamental ground cover. It is rarely used in cooking (Thymus vulgaris is the culinary thyme most commonly used in cooking).

Is elfin thyme invasive?

The foliage of the creeping thyme generally has a pretty fine texture, and it usually spreads out quickly all around the garden. Before you know it, the plant will start producing flowers that are of different colors. These plants don’t really have to be invasive as long as you know how to care for them.

Why is my elfin thyme dying?

The most common reasons for thyme dying are: Thyme has root rot or fungal disease due to consistently damp soil. Thyme that is drooping and turning yellow because of damp soils or excess nitrogen in the soil due to additional fertilizer. Thyme plant that is turning brown, dry and dying back.

What is the difference between Thymus praecox and Thymus serpyllum?

Thymus praecox is a species of thyme. A common name is mother of thyme, but “creeping thyme” and “wild thyme” may be used where Thymus serpyllum, which also shares these names, is not found. It is native to central, southern, and western Europe.

Can you divide elfin thyme?

To divide thyme, dig up the whole plant and break it into sections. Three or four divisions per plant is usually enough as small divisions take longer to establish than larger ones. If the plant is reluctant to pull apart in your hands, use two hand forks back-to-back to prize it into sections.

Can you plant creeping thyme over 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. The downside of planting thyme as lawn replacement is the cost.

Will creeping thyme survive 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.

Is elfin thyme drought tolerant?

A very drought tolerant option for lawn replacement is low-growing Elfin Thyme | Thymus serpyllum. This fragrant alternative forms a tight solid mat of green foliage that blooms with light pink flowers in summer. It’s a vigorous creeper that stands up well to foot traffic and is great for sunny areas.

Will dead thyme grow back?

Thyme can still grow after 4 years however the growth does naturally slow down and there may be some die back, with some of the leaves turning brown and dried up which is the natural life span of a thyme plant.