Red Creeping Thyme, Thymus serpyllum Coccineus, is a popular flowering groundcover thyme famous for its vivid magenta to crimson-red blooms that blanket the plant in early to midsummer. It forms a low, dense evergreen mat 2 to 4 inches tall of small dark green leaves that spreads to create a fragrant, walkable carpet ideal between stepping stones, in rock gardens, on slopes, and as a lawn alternative. When in full bloom it becomes a sheet of red-purple flowers that is exceptionally attractive to bees and other pollinators. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9, it is tough, drought tolerant, and thrives in poor, well-drained soil and full sun, tolerating light foot traffic. Though lightly aromatic and edible, it is grown chiefly for its brilliant flower color and pollinator value. It is propagated by division or cuttings.
Flavor Profile
Mildly aromatic and edible, but grown mainly as an ornamental flowering groundcover rather than a kitchen herb.
Visual Characteristics
Low dense mat 2 to 4 inches tall of small dark green leaves smothered in vivid magenta to crimson summer flowers.
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun and poor, well-drained soil as a walkable, pollinator-friendly groundcover or lawn alternative.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.