Does creeping thyme have invasive roots?
Red Creeping Thyme is not invasive, but its spreading growth can cover large areas over time. Creeping Thyme boasts an average root depth of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). However, its roots can spread horizontally up to 24 inches (60 cm) or more, allowing the plant to establish a robust foundation.Creeping thyme thrives in sandy, silty, or rocky soils that provide excellent drainage. Will also tolerate poor soil, but avoid planting in heavy clay or in low spots prone to standing water.Creeping thyme is a dwarf, low-growing, creeping, woody evergreen. It is grown primarily as an ornamental groundcover. The plant’s leaves are aromatic, but it is not typically used in cooking. It measures 2-3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide.How long does it take for creeping thyme to spread? Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.
Will creeping thyme choke out other plants?
LIMITATIONS: Creeping thyme offers some moderate weed suppression. But it’s growth is rather loose and weed seedlings may still make their way through it. Sometimes the center of the plant can get quite woody and empty in appearance. It tends to die out in spots where it gets shaded out by other plants. Creeping Thyme, scientifically known as Thymus serpyllum, is a popular and adaptive dwarf ground cover that is popular for landscape designs. Used often as borders on flower beds and in between pavers on walkways, this is a groundcover that can handle moderate foot traffic.Aesthetic and Practical Advantages of Red Creeping Thyme Red creeping thyme is not just about looks. Its drought resistance and low maintenance needs make it a cost-effective choice for commercial properties. This plant helps prevent soil erosion, maintains ground stability, and reduces the need for regular watering.Creeping Pink thyme, with almost an inch of stem between its sets of leaves, grows much more quickly than say a Pink Chintz Thyme or a Woolly Thyme whose leaves are very close together. The increased stem segment also provides a greater rooting zone for the thyme allowing it to spread faster.
What are the disadvantages of creeping thyme?
Creeping thyme will not withstand high traffic, may attract bees and other pollinators, and should be installed with more expensive plugs. Plant creeping thyme in the spring, keep the area weeded, plant plugs 12 inches apart, and keep the soil evenly moist while the lawn establishes. Creeping thyme doesn’t experience much pressure from pests, but aphids, spider mites, and white flies can sometimes occur. These insects will likely persist when the plants are under stress due to poorly drained soils, too much moisture, not enough sun, or the humidity is too high, says Bunting.