Mother Of Thyme

Thymus Serpyllum

Design with this plant

Overview

Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as Mother of Thyme, is a low-growing perennial herb prized for its fragrant foliage and profuse pink to purple blooms. It reaches a mature height of 3 inches, with a 12-inch spread. This drought-tolerant groundcover thrives in zones 4-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal for rock gardens and as a lawn substitute, it offers year-round interest and attracts pollinators.

Sun FullWater LowZones 4–8Climate Mediterranean

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — Ideal for rock gardens and as a lawn substitute, it offers year-round interest and attracts pollinators

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 4–8

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Lamiaceae
Climate: Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (107)

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — although it is notably drought-tolerant once established; commonly known as Mother of Thyme, image 98

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — This makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens; showcasing its resilience to varying climates, image 99

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — or along borders where its creeping habit can be truly appreciated.<br><br>Flowering from mid to late summer, image 100

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — Ideally suited for creating a fragrant; is a low-growing perennial herb prized for its fragrant foliage and, image 95

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — Mother of Thyme presents a profusion of tiny; ground cover for full, image 101

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture during establishment; scientifically known as Thymus serpyllum, image 105

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — Regular trimming after flowering can promote a denser, more robust form; pink flowers in the garden, image 107

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — tubular pink to purple flowers that attract a variety of pollinators; ideally suited for creating a fragrant, image 102

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — but allow the soil to dry between watering to ensure optimal health; mother of Thyme presents a profusion of, image 106

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — including bees and butterflies; tubular pink to purple flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, image 103

Mother Of Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum) — consider its spreading tendency and position it where it can naturalize; ground cover with pink blooms, image 104

Related plants

White Nancy Dead Nettle (Lamium Maculatum 'White Nancy') — Lamium maculatum 'White Nancy' is a shade-loving perennial ground cover

White Nancy Dead Nettle

Lamium Maculatum 'White Nancy'

Deep Shade · Zones 3–10

Hidcote English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') — The Hidcote English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote') is a compact evergreen shrub

Hidcote English Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'

Full · Zones 9–11

Seer's Sage (Salvia divinorum) — Seer's Sage (Salvia divinorum) is a psychoactive perennial

Seer's Sage

Salvia divinorum

Shade · Zones 7–9

Purple Haze Hummingbird Mint (Agastache 'Purple Haze') — commonly known as Purple Haze Hummingbird Mint

Purple Haze Hummingbird Mint

Agastache 'Purple Haze'

Full · Zones 5–10

Sticky Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis russeliana) — commonly known as Sticky Jerusalem Sage

Sticky Jerusalem Sage

Phlomis russeliana

Full · Zones 4–10

Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus) — The Swedish Begonia, Plectranthus australis, is a versatile, evergreen perennial

Swedish Ivy

Plectranthus verticillatus

Half · Zones 10–11