Perennial · Lamiaceae familyornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
creeping thyme
Thymus serpyllum
In short a 10-second read
Creeping thyme (perennial) grows to 0.05–0.1 m tall and 0.2–0.3 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. It flowers in June–August; the flowers are purple or pink. Hardy to −26 °C.
× spread 0.2–0.3 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −26 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: sandy, gravelly, loamy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–August · purple or pink
Pruning
cut back by a third (July–August)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −26 °C
- Evergreen — green in winter too
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does creeping thyme flower?
In June–August; the flowers are purple or pink.
Does creeping thyme tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does creeping thyme need?
At maturity 0.2–0.3 m wide and 0.05–0.1 m tall; recommended spacing 25 cm.
Does creeping thyme survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −26 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (8)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Plants For A Future
- RHS Plant Finder
- EPPO Reporting Service — update of the EU list of invasive alien species
- AOPK ČR — invazní rostliny
- EPPO Reporting Service — The German lists of invasive alien plants
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
Similar plants
