Elfin mother of thyme12/5/2023 Serphyllum blooms between July and August. Of the two varieties of creeping thyme generally sold as Elfin, serpyllym has the brighter colored flowers which are generally lilac to purple or pink. Thymus serpyllum is also known by the names Breckland thyme, mother-of-thyme, wild thyme, mauve creeping thyme, pink chintz or creeping thyme. Your best bet might be to wait until the plants are flowering to make your purchase if the color of your Elfin thyme truly matters to you. The good news is that most creeping thyme generally requires the same growing conditions but the color of the flowers and the overall size of the plant can vary. Making it even more interesting is that several varieties of creeping thyme smell, and even taste, like other herbs. I also noticed some of the details of the plants’ growing habits can vary between sources. I found a number of sites (some by botanical gardens and universities) that seem to use wild thyme and mother-of-thyme as the common name for a number of different species. Perhaps due to their ability to hybridize, it would seem even the experts have some trouble determining which plants belong categorized under which species. While the plants being sold as creeping thyme or elfin thyme are quite similar in growth habit and produce lovely little flowers, it might be helpful to know which is which before investing in one or more of these charming herbal plants. Starting plants from seed is possible but the germination rates are somewhat low.Īdditionally, thyme is generally a slow-growing herb which makes these smaller species and varieties even a more popular choice for miniature gardens. However, divisions may not stand up to a late spring or early fall frost. Spring and early fall are the suggested times for dividing the creeping thymes. They suggested propagation by cutting and division to retain the characteristics of the parent plant. Though only discussed on one of my sources, it would seem that most species and varieties of creeping thyme are considered “cultivars” and while some can be grown from seed, they are not thought to remain true. They originally grew wild in the more temperate areas of Europe and a few species have become naturalized in the American northwest to the point of becoming invasive. Most species of creeping thyme seem safe for anyone in Zones 5-8 but there are a few requiring warmer temperatures or that can handle slightly more cold. I’ve seen varying reports on where these plants do best. I did notice a site from England mentioned a number of species as being “noted for attracting wildlife” but it wasn’t clear if that meant bees and butterflies or something that would make a meal out of your thyme plants. They are considered deer tolerant but as we all know that seems to depend on what your resident critters might deem tasty as opposed to what the experts say. One source suggested a thin layer of gravel be placed around the plant to help protect the foliage from wet soil. (Actually, the leaves will all turn black and the plant will die a slow and lingering death if you over-water. All thyme tends to rot in moist or wet soil particularly during the winter months. They prefer dry to medium, well-drained soil. Growing Creeping ThymeĪll of the species of thyme currently being sold as creeping or elfin thyme require similar soil conditions. If you plan on harvesting leaves for drying, the best times are early and late summer right before the flowers bloom. Their scent, and one would therefore presume their flavor, varies with the seasons and the climate of where it is being grown. It is a “stepable” – meaning that it can be used in an area of the garden that receives moderate foot traffic.įrom everything I’ve read, the creeping thymes are edible but they vary greatly in their culinary usefulness. Traditionally, creeping thyme has been used as an evergreen ground-cover and often used in rock gardens and in between stepping stones. There are several varieties of both as well as a number of other species being sold to Fairy Gardeners due to their small size and pretty little flowers. The two species of thyme most often referred to as Elfin Thyme are Thymus serpyllum and Thymus praecox. Fairy Garden by Melissa of the Inspired RoomĪs already mentioned, creeping thyme has become a popular choice for fairy gardens like the one shown here from the inspired room.
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