Species

Thymus praecoxCreeping Thyme

3 other cultivars

groundcover

Red Creeping Thyme

Thymus praecox 'Red Carpet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Thymus praecox is a low-growing, mat-forming evergreen subshrub native to Europe, Greenland, and Turkey. The species spreads via creeping, horizontal stems that root as they touch the soil, creating a dense, weed-suppressing carpet of aromatic foliage.

'Red Carpet' is a specific clonal cultivar selected for its tight, low-profile foliage mat and dense flower coverage. In late spring and early summer, the dark green leaves are completely obscured by dense terminal clusters of tiny, crimson-red to deep magenta-pink tubular flowers.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a dense, evergreen carpet that smothers weeds and produces a vibrant display of crimson-red flowers in summer.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and tolerates light foot traffic, making it an excellent lawn alternative.

Attracts native bees, honeybees, and butterflies while resisting browsing by deer and rabbits.

SpeciesThymus praecoxCreeping Thyme

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe, Greenland, Turkey

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend heavy or poorly drained soils with coarse sand, grit, or pea gravel to ensure exceptional drainage.
Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart to allow the creeping stems to spread and form a continuous mat.
Water sparingly after planting, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Pruning deep into old, bare, woody stems during maintenance results in permanent dead patches because the plant cannot regenerate from old wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in gritty, sandy, or rocky soils with a neutral to mildly alkaline pH.
Shear the plant lightly immediately after flowering to remove spent flower heads and maintain a compact habit.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to prevent powdery mildew in humid weather.

Don't

Do not prune deep into old, bare, woody stems, as the plant cannot regenerate from old wood.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nitrogen causes weak, leggy growth and reduces essential oil potency.
Do not plant in low-lying areas or heavy clay where water pools.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Lawn substituteBetween stepping stones or paversRock gardensBorder edgingErosion control on dry slopes

Companion Plants

Phlox subulata Sedum album Sempervivum tectorum Festuca glauca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Creeping Thyme questions

What zones can Red Creeping Thyme grow in?

Red Creeping Thyme is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Creeping Thyme deer resistant?

Yes — Red Creeping Thyme is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Creeping Thyme bloom?

Red Creeping Thyme typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Creeping Thyme need full sun?

Red Creeping Thyme does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Red Creeping Thyme drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Creeping Thyme handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.