Red Creeping Thyme Plants: Transform Your Garden

Thyme is everywhere all over our garden as well as spice cabinets, but the genus of thyme has a lot to be coveted beyond its culinary benefits. Thyme species that grow upright are the most commonly used for kitchen and herb garden usage. While it's not as useful for harvesting culinary use (but it is still edible) The creeping thyme carpets spaces with an abundance of fragrance and color. It also helps to maintain healthy ecosystems in the most challenging areas that the land. There are a variety of this groundcovering plant and species, the red variety is renowned due to its beautiful blooms that cover the ground in deep, wine-like hues.

All About Red Creeping Thyme

The red creeping thyme ( Thymus praecox "Coccineus") is a drought-resistant herbaceous perennial that is sun-loving and sun-loving that is part of the mint ( Lamiaceae) family. While it may appear fragile, this thyme is able to adapt well to a variety of conditions that are well-drained and can even withstand moderate foot circulation. This makes it a low-maintenance, an easy plant to grow. It is hardy in Zones 4-9. the red creeping thyme is evergreen in warmer regions The leaves take an orange-bronzed color in the autumn. It is often known as Thymus serpyllum or other names such as the mother of thyme.

As with other species of thyme, the red creeping thyme is a magnet for butterflies and also hosts beneficial insects which makes it an excellent option for those looking to preserve biodiversity. Red creeping thyme also receives the highest marks for its effectiveness as a repellent. The spring blooms of red creeping thyme vary from crimson to purple and provide a dense layer of color on top of wide-spreading low-growing, 4-inch tall foliage that has 12 to 18 inches of spread. The density of the growth helps reduce weeds and fill difficult spaces in your landscape.

Some of the most well-known applications for red creeping Thyme include rock gardens, walkways as well as xeriscapes, walls for retaining and understories, containers, and alternative lawns. Learn the best ways to grow and appreciate red creeping thyme plant within your home. You're sure to keep this plant in your pocket after you've experienced its beautiful beauty and versatility.

How to Grow Red Creeping Thyme Plants

Starting Red Creeping Thyme Plants

The red creeping thyme can be grown from seeds or even from plants in the nursery. Thyme, however, is slow-growing and seeds of this variety aren't readily available. To make it easier and more efficient buying plants is suggested. If you're planting the whole area or a huge cluster of creeping thymes, you can afford to purchase plugs, the smaller transplants landscapers purchase in bulk, and which provide the best value for money when planting in large quantities (say 30-plus plants). Plugs are less established roots than larger transplants, and so you must take care to ensure that they're well-watered once they settle. When shopping for plants be sure to look for plants with lush foliage. Avoid root rot and waterlogged roots.

Preparing a Bed for Red Creeping Thyme

After you've found healthy red creeping thyme bushes choose a sunny area that they will freely grow. Creeping thyme is tolerant of only a little shade, but full sunshine (6or more hours a day) is the ideal time for the peak blooming. Then, ensure that the drainage in the soil is great. Add compost leaf mold or soil conditioner to help lighten the soil, and add sand in the case of clay-based soils that are heavy.

Planting Red Creeping Thyme

The red creeping thyme can be planted in the spring or fall as it can be difficult for new plants to become established during summer's temperatures. Spacing is determined by the size of plants you choose to start with, the size of your area is and the speed you'd like your landscape to fill in with the growth.

Great Garden Plants outlines the following spacing for starting by using the 32-inch landscape plugs (a typical size tray) 6 inches of spacing encompasses 6 square feet. the 8-inch space covers 7.5 sq. feet. a 10-inch spacing is 11 sq. feet 12 inches of spacing is 16 feet. If you're buying larger plants at the garden centre, 10to 12 inches spacing is suggested. For different types of creeping thyme check the tag on the plant for suggestions on spacing. To get a faster groundcover you should plant creeping thyme slightly closer.

Place the plants at the right spacing prior to transplanting, and then visualize the final outcome. If you are planting in drifts, stay clear of straight lines and opt for more organic forms that are in line with the natural curves. When the overall design appears balanced -- perhaps an attractive border, a dense drift, or an fuchsia-colored carpet Get busy planting and have fun.

To transplant thyme dig each hole slightly bigger in depth and bigger than that of the root ball. remove the soil using your fingers, and then gently loosen the roots. If you've made the proper amendments to your soil ought to be light and loose. Place each plant in the hole, then gently fill the soil with roots. Make use of your hands to push the soil in place and then water it thoroughly. When plugs are planted, ensure constant soil moisture to aid the roots to establish themselves. After they have settled in red creeping thyme, they can withstand drought.

Red Creeping Thyme Propagation

The process of propagating red creeping thyme simple, either through cutting off the stem or division. To cut a stem take the stems that have not yet bloomed and remove the lower leaves, and then place the stems in water and place them on a window to establish roots. When some roots have sprouted the cuttings can be placed in pots.

The red creeping thyme can even be split. As the plants expand they will break up one of the root balls and divide it into two halves. Replant one half, then transplant the other half or give it to a friend. Be sure to water well to aid the roots in recovering from the strain. The best time to divide is in the spring or early autumn at least every few years. If you begin with a tighter spacing between plants, you might discover that division should be carried out earlier.