Thymus praecox
TAXONOMY
FamilyLamiaceae
GenusThymus
Zone4
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Thymus praecox, commonly known as Creeping Thyme, is a low-growing perennial subshrub in the family Lamiaceae. Native to Europe, it is often used as a ground cover due to its dense, mat-forming growth habit. It produces small, aromatic leaves and tiny, pink to purple flowers that attract pollinators. This plant is well-suited to temperate climates and can tolerate light foot traffic.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Creeping Thyme
Thymus badensis
Thymus braunii
Thymus ciliatus
Thymus mannianus
Thymus praecox var. caespitosus
Thymus praecox var. ciliatus
Thymus praecox var. spathulatus
Thymus serpyllum f. alpicolus
Thymus serpyllum f. badensis
Thymus serpyllum f. borosianus
Thymus serpyllum f. braunii
Thymus serpyllum f. cinerosus
Thymus serpyllum f. diversipellis
Thymus serpyllum f. fallax
Thymus serpyllum f. huljakii
Thymus serpyllum f. leptoneurus
Thymus serpyllum f. petiolatus
Thymus serpyllum f. petraeus
Thymus serpyllum f. spathulatus
Thymus serpyllum subsp. clivorum
Thymus serpyllum subsp. hesperites
Thymus serpyllum subsp. praecox
Thymus serpyllum var. caespitosus
Thymus serpyllum var. glareosus
Thymus serpyllum var. humifusus
Thymus serpyllum var. induratus
Thymus serpyllum var. kollmannii
Thymus serpyllum var. lanuginosus
Thymus serpyllum var. praecox
Thymus serpyllum var. rupestris
Thymus serpyllum var. zobelii
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Creeping Thyme thrives in full sun and prefers moderate temperatures. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established and should be watered sparingly. The plant benefits from good air circulation and moderate humidity levels. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Soil
Thymus praecox prefers well-draining soil, ideally a loamy mix. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in moderately fertile soil. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-5 can be applied sparingly during the growing season. Over-fertilizing should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Creeping Thyme unless it is being grown in a container. If repotting is needed, it should be done in the spring. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage and use a well-draining soil mix.Propagation
Creeping Thyme can be propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. The best time to propagate is in the spring or early summer. For cuttings, take a 3-4 inch stem and root it in a well-draining soil mix.Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for Creeping Thyme to maintain its shape and encourage dense growth. Prune back after flowering to remove spent blooms and trim any leggy or overgrown stems.Toxicity
Thymus praecox is non-toxic to pets and humans. It is safe to grow in gardens where pets and children are present.Additional
Creeping Thyme is not only a beautiful ground cover but also a culinary herb. Its aromatic leaves can be used in cooking to add flavor to various dishes. Additionally, it is deer-resistant and can be used in rock gardens or between stepping stones.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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