Elfin mother of thyme
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'
USDA zones4 to 8
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 to 6 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Creeping
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral (pH 6.6 to 7.3), slightly alkaline (pH 7.4 to 7.8), slightly acidic (pH 5.6 to 6.5)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Elfin' mother of thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin') is a groundcover for rock gardens, borders, containers, and xeriscape. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Pink flowers open from early to late summer and draw butterflies and bees. The evergreen leaves are fragrant, and the plant grows slowly. It is not a favorite of deer or rabbits, though hungry ones will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Blue grama, Moonshine yarrow, and Gladiator ornamental onion.