How to Grow and Care for Creeping Thyme—a No-Mow Alternative to Turf Grass

Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a low-growing ground cover that can be grown in place of traditional turf grass. A member of the mint family, the plant is hardy in zones 4 through 9 and should be planted during spring, as the cool temperatures make it easier for it to get established. In addition to being used as a lawn alternative, creeping thyme is often grown as an ornamental plant in the garden, container plant, and filler plant for growing between stepping stones. 

What Is Creeping Thyme?

Creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial native to northern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. "The creeping form creates a nice foliage mat that can be used in place of turf grass," says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's agricultural center. "It supports pollinators with a profuse mat of attractive, fragrant flowers." It produces beautiful small, tubular flowers in shades of vibrant pinks and purples from June to early September. "The blooms are incredibly profuse and form a dense mat of color," says Abdi.

Benefits of Creeping Thyme

One of the biggest benefits of creeping thyme is how low maintenance it is. In addition to being drought-resistant, the ground cover doesn't require mowing and only needs light pruning to maintain its aesthetic, says Abdi. It is also highly resistant to deer and rabbits, as well as certain pests and diseases that often plague other plants. "Aesthetically, creeping thyme is a beautiful way to fill in small gaps, such as between stepping stone pavers in a walkway," says Abdi.

How to Plant Creeping Thyme

The best time to plant creeping thyme is during early spring to early summer when the conditions are conducive for the plants to root in and establish themselves, says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Creeping thyme will come from the garden center or nursery as small plants or plugs, which should be planted roughly 6 to 12 inches apart. During the first year, creeping thyme grows slowly as it establishes, but at approximately three years, it reaches a spread of 6 to 18 inches, says Abdi.

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the creeping thyme.
2. Lightly tease out the roots.
3. Place the root ball in the hole you dug.
4. Backfill the soil around the roots and lightly tamp the soil around the roots with your fingers. 
5. Keep the soil semi-moist during establishment, then reduce irrigation.

How to Care for Creeping Thyme

While creeping thyme requires minimal maintenance once established, there are some things to keep in mind when caring for this ground cover plant.

Light

Creeping thyme should receive at least six hours of full sun. Planting it in an area that doesn't get enough light may make your creeping thyme more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Soil

This ground cover can tolerate poor soils, including sandy, gritty, and rocky soil types. Despite its hardiness, creeping thyme thrives best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

Water

Creeping thyme is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers dry to medium soil moisture. Keep the soil lightly moist until it is established, and then scale back your watering frequency. Overwatering can lead to root rot, says Abdi.

Fertilizer

Typically, creeping thyme doesn't need to be fertilized as it grows well in subpar soils. "In soils with particularly low levels of nutrients, a little bit of balanced fertilizer can be a benefit," says Abdi. "Incorporating a little compost or organic matter into the soil can help with improving drainage and offering some nutrients."

Temperature

Creeping thyme does not like humid conditions—it prefers air on the drier side and areas with good airflow. "While drought tolerant, keep an eye out when temperatures get hot, as it may dry out too much," says Abdi.

How to Propagate Creeping Thyme

The easiest way to propagate creeping time is through stem cuttings. In two to three weeks roots will develop and the plants can be transplanted into small containers, says Bunting.

1. Using a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors, take a 1-inch cutting of a stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place the stem cuttings in a small container with well-draining soil.
4. Lightly water the soil.

How to Prune Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme should be pruned to manage overgrowth and decrease woody stems. Cut it back in spring to allow for a new flush of growth before the flower display. "Over time, the growth becomes woody, and the plant loses vigor and appeal—a rejuvenating pruning can breathe new life into creeping thyme," says Abdi.

Common Problems With Creeping Thyme

You won't encounter many issues when caring for creeping thyme, but there are a few things to be on the lookout for.

Pests

Creeping thyme doesn't experience much pressure from pests, but aphids, spider mites, and white flies can sometimes occur. "These insects will likely persist when the plants are under stress due to poorly drained soils, too much moisture, not enough sun, or the humidity is too high," says Bunting.

Diseases

Creeping thyme is relatively disease-resistant, but root rot can be a common issue. "Root rot can occur when overwatered or planted in poorly drained areas," says Abdi.

Foot Traffic

One of the biggest downsides of creeping thyme as a lawn alternative is that it doesn't stand up to heavy foot traffic like turf does. "Thyme can be used as a visual replacement for turf, but it cannot withstand regular foot traffic like a conventional lawn," says Bunting.