Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Lamiaceae family. It grows 5–10 cm (2–4 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Creeping thyme in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Creeping thyme at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 cm (2–4 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Creeping thyme toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Thyme is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Creeping thyme
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Creeping thyme in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (8 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (13 plants)
- Riverside botanical garden (10 plants)
Questions about Creeping thyme
- How far apart should I plant Creeping thyme?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Creeping thyme need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Creeping thyme need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Creeping thyme?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Creeping thyme flower?
- From about June for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Creeping thyme poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Thyme is generally regarded as non-toxic to pets.
- What grows well with Creeping thyme?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Creeping thyme. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- General reference values; verify against local conditions.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare
- Thai basil Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora