Very dense foliage and masses of pink to red flowers Thymus serpyllum Coccineus is commonly called Red Creeping Thyme.
This is a very low growing thyme variety, aromatic foliage and attractive both when in flower and through the year.
The foliage itself is small and rounded, the flowers appear above on short stems from summer to autumn.
This is a very useful plant for filling in between pavers as well as for growing as a ground cover.
A few suggest that it could make an alternative lawn, however it would need to be a very lightly trafficked area to work.
This is a plant that can be grown in a container, either by itself or to underplant taller shrubs.
Description for Red Creeping Thyme.
This a naturally low growing plant from the Mediterranean, it is drought tolerant, easy care and evergreen.
When it is suggested that it makes a good lawn substitute, if you don’t intend to use the lan much, or only walk on it occasionally then maybe. However like all plants it does not tolerate regular foot traffic. Let’s face it, even lawns wear out with constant foot traffic.
The foliage is fragrant and will deter some animals, even deer seem to be deterred by the strong fragrance of thyme, but this does not mean will not trample it.
How to Grow Thymus serpyllum Coccineus
You can start from seed and if you are looking at a broad area this will ne the most economical. However this can be a slow process..so be warned.
Small plugs can be useful, however care in transplanting and establishment is essential. Plant them in early spring and provide water through the first summer.
Larger potted plants will have you establishing a clump fairly quickly. Plant these at around 15cm (6 inches) apart and mulch well in between them.
Planting Red Creeping Thyme
For good flowering and overall plant health you need sunny position.
- Postion
Full sun to just a little shade, at least 6 hours of sun a day, and this is a minimum. - Soil
Humus rich well drained soil is best. Dig through some aged cow manure before planting and in poor drained soils ad some pumice, horticultural grit is fine gravel to improve the drainage. - Planting Time
- Best planted in early spring, in warmer zones late summer will also work well.
How to Plant
After preparing the soil follow these steps.
- Work a planting spacing, the closer together the faster you will establish a carpet.
- Dig holes slightly wider than the pot.
- Remove plants from the pot and plant, backfilling around them.
- Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser to encourage root growth.
- Mulch around the plants to maintain a cool root run. Good organic mulch can also encourage the spread of the plants.
- Water regularly through the first summer, allowing the soil to dry a little between waterings.
Ongoing Care
- Watering.
Generally only required in long dry summer periods. Use a wet/dry cycle for best results and mulch bare areas between and around the plants. - Fertiliser
A light application of a general purpose organic fertiliser in spring should be adequate. Use a liquid fertiliser every 4 weeks if growth looks poor. - Pests and Diseases
The only real problem is wet soggy soils, this can the death of thyme especially in colder climates. - Pruning
You can clip the plants back after flowering, however it’s not really needed.
If the clump is spreading outside of the area you want it in, dig up the excess and plant it somewhere else or give it to the neighbours who have been admiring your wonderful ground cover plant.
Summary
- Botanical Name – Thymus serpyllum Coccineus
- Common Names – Red Creeping Thyme.
- Position – Full sun to Part shade.
- Soil – Humus rich, moist, well drained.
- Height – Will reach around .2 metres
- Spread – Will spread to around .5 metre.
- Growth rate – Medium.
- Foliage – Deep green.
- Flowers – Pink to red.
- Flowering period – Summer to Autumn
- Drought tolerant – Yes once established.
- Frost tolerant – Yes.
Thymus serpyllum Coccineus or Red Creeping Thyme is available for sale from the following nurseries
Little Hampton, Vic 345
"Mail order nursery specialising in cottage garden perennials, flowering shrubs, Trilliums, Hostas and Pacific Coast Iris. Flat rate express postage - Except WA & TAS"
www.botanicaltreasures.com
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au