Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Herby

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Thymus Coccineus Group

Also Known As

Thymus 'Red Creeping'
Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'
Coccineus Red Creeping Thyme
Coccineus Red Thyme
Red Creeping Thyme

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, herb

size

H: 1"-2"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

4a-8b

More Options

Thymus Coccineus Group plant details

Thymus Coccineus Group is a broadleaf evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover herb with green foliage. In summer pink and red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something pollution tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thymus Coccineus Group

Plant type: perennial groundcover herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 1 IN - 2 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, fragrant, houseplant, lawn alternative, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thymus Coccineus Group

USDA Zones: 4a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, pollution
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Zn 4. Deep green foliage, turns Bronze in cold.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

One of the fastest spreading thymes doubling in size and filling in space quickly in about 12-18 months. Red Creeper is a low spreader with magenta flowers in July and August. Needs moist well drained soil but will tolerate more drought once established. Takes more partial shade than other Thymes. Deer proof and winter hardy to about -30 to -20 degrees.

By: Mini Forest By Sky

Need a plant for that problem spot with sun and poor soil? Try this dense evergreen groundcover which has a stunning cascading habit and magenta-pink flowers in summer over deep-green, fragrant foliage. Not really culinary quality but you'll enjoy the herbal fragrance and easy care.

By: Deer Country Gardens

Tiny glossy green leaves are held on ruby-red stems and creep slowly to cover between pavers and stepping stones. Red flowers appear from June to July. Hardy to 20 °F.