Coccineus' Creeping Thyme

Creeping thyme 'Coccineus' (Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus') is an easy-to-grow ground cover, but with a colour twist that'll make the neighbours talk! Imagine a dense carpet of small, fragrant green leaves, but dotted with a ton of small, bright red flowers all summer long. Seriously tough for our hot summers and cold Quebec winters, this thyme is perfect for adding a vibrant splash of colour without requiring a ton of effort. Bees and butterflies love it, so get ready for a garden buzzing with life!

Key Features

• Foliage: Small, oval, dark green leaves, very aromatic, creating a fine texture and a pleasant fragrance when crushed or walked on.
• Habit: Creeping, forming a dense and low mat that spreads easily, ideal for covering large areas, rock gardens, or spaces between paving stones.
• Growth: Moderate to fast, spreading by its stems that root upon contact with the soil, forming a colourful and effective ground cover.
• Maintenance: Easy, requiring little attention once established, tolerating drought and poor soils well.
• Flowering: Abundant blooming of small, bright red flowers that cover the plant during the summer, creating a striking display.

Care Tips

• Light: Full sun, it's crucial for abundant flowering and vibrant flower colour. Lack of sun may result in less spectacular blooming.
• Watering: Tolerates drought well once established. Water moderately during planting and during prolonged dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, even if it's poor or rocky. Avoid heavy and waterlogged soils.
• Humidity: Has no special humidity requirements and thrives in dry conditions.
• Temperature: Very hardy and cold-tolerant, perfectly adapted to Quebec winters. It loves the summer heat for profuse flowering.
• Fertilization: Not really necessary. A little compost in the spring can help, but avoid fertilizers too rich in nitrogen that could promote foliage at the expense of the red flowers.