Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'

Also Known As

Thymus praecox 'Elfin'
Elfin Creeping Thyme

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, herb

size

H: 2"-4"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

4a-11

More Options

Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' plant details

Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover herb with green foliage. In spring and summer pink and purple flowers emerge. Features fuzzy and glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'

Plant type: perennial groundcover herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 2 IN - 4 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, fragrant, mat-forming, rock garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'

USDA Zones: 4a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit
Soil needs: gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Light pink flowers bloom above a tight mat of tiny, aromatic, gray-green foliage. Deer resistant. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Use as filler between stepping stones, along walkways and as underplanting for shrubs. Tolerates varying amounts of foot traffic.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

This is the perfect creeper for establishing between stepping stones, or for use in troughs. Not more than half an inch high, with fine textured aromatic leaves, and pink lavender flowers in early summer.

By: Avant Gardens

One of the flattest tiniest thymes. Dark green aromatic leaves make a thick flat mat. Use for mini lawns, between paving stones or for a full lawn replacement. Can take light foot traffic. Best in full sun, with moderate water and gritty well drained soil. Our favorite for the mini scene.

By: Mini Forest By Sky

No information

By: Daryll's Nursery

This cute little thyme has rounded, emerald green leaves packed along the stems that form a dense, speading mound. A lovely little texture to view up close. Lavender flowers. Attractive to bees.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Aromatic, dwarf shrub to 4" with trailing stems, tiny, rounded leaves, and pink flowers. Hardy to 5 °F. Northern Europe.

By: Native Sons

The TEENIEST Thyme! We're always being asked for groundcovers, & it's hard to find any that we can really get behind. Either they're too invasive, or too hard to grow, or they're just plain old boring. I really have affection for this diminutive Thyme, & it works exceptionally well as a groundcover without eating up all of your garden space. When planted between pavers, it will eventually fill in densely, & is great for any spot in your garden where you just want something low, green, & well behaved. Flowers are small & pink, attractive to our friends the honeybees, & the overall habit is very low & flat. It's a drought tolerant plant, but watering will help it spread faster to fill in. Tolerates many soil types, including heavy clay, can be used as a culinary herb, & YES, you can walk on it if you want to! Please be gentle, though.