Creeping Thyme

Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'

Nature Hills Nursery

Vibrant Rosy Red Flowers Transform Low-Growing Mounds into Living Jewelry All Summer Long
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple, Pink Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This groundcover performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, you will notice a significant decrease in flower density and the foliage may become "leggy" or sparse as it reaches for the sun.
Soil: Creeping Thyme demands excellent drainage and thrives in gritty or sandy soils that stay relatively lean. If you have heavy clay, mix in fine gravel or organic compost to raise the planting bed, as sitting in soggy soil will quickly lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your new plants twice a week to help the shallow root systems establish themselves in their new home. Once mature, Creeping Thyme is remarkably drought tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extended periods of heat or dry spells. Be careful not to overwater, as inconsistent "wet feet" will cause the center of the plant to die out and turn brown.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on wood produced in the previous season, the best time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade in early summer. Use garden shears to give the entire patch a light "haircut," removing about half the height to encourage fresh green growth and maintain a tight mat. This prevents the stems from becoming overly woody and keeps the plant looking lush rather than ragged.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth appears to fuel the summer bloom. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this forces tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season surge makes the plant much more susceptible to winter damage and dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Flowering, Fragrant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Edible, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Trailing, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name	Thyme
Botanical Name	Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'
Species	praecox
Cultivar	Coccineus
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Grow an amazingly versatile groundcover just like an aromatic carpet! Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Coccineus') is an adaptable and hardworking accent plant that is aromatic from top to bottom (all 3-4 inches of its height anyway!). It's like jewelry for your garden! Not to mention perfuming the air! Herb-like, lemony and earthy could all describe the scent of Creeping Thyme. Grab a few snips of this plant's leaves and stems for your recipes! They'll perfume dried crafts and floral décor!

On a summer evening just follow the butterflies and bees! They will happily lead you to the Thyme in your garden. Rosy red flowers smother these mounds by the thousands, completely covering this thick, low-growing mat of tiny green-scented leaves! Get your butterfly and native bee identification guides ready - because you'll have many visitors once this gorgeous plant blooms!

These wondrously easy-to-grow creeping and flowering groundcovers add that special finishing touch to the garden! Drought, deer, sun - Creeping Thyme laughs in their face and it's cold-hardy too! Plant in gardens throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 9 and watch these mat-forming flowering outdoor carpets slowly spread to their mature 10-12 inch flat mounds of beauty!

Planting and Application:

Did we mention how versatile this glamorous little Herb is? Perfect for scenting between pavers, or for planting between flagstones! Creeping Thyme is a finishing touch along garden edges throughout the sunny landscape! Pollinator gardens, Sensory Gardens, Vegetable beds, and Herb Knot Gardens all need a few of these wonderfully low-growing but visually stunning perennials!

Just rub your hand along the plant to encourage it to release its scent. Better yet, plant it where you can walk on it or kneel on it to work in your garden! The sensual smell makes any time you spend in the garden better. Excellent groundcover and living mulch, Creeping Thyme helps to suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and prevent erosion on slopes and hard-to-mow hillsides.

A strong grower, 'Coccineus' will tolerate mild foot traffic, making it ideal as a drought-tolerant lawn substitute and for small-space gardens. Try planting it in crevices on your steps, in the parking strip by your driveway, or in the transition areas between walkways and planting beds. It loves to spill over low walls, creep through crevice gardens, and ramble through Rock Gardens! One will even be a beautiful low spiller in planters and sunny patio containers!

Rosy Red Drifts of Flowers in Spring!
Aromatic Mat-Forming Groundcover
Carpets of Tiny Green Foliage
Handles Foot Traffic, Xeric & Used in Fire-Wise Landscapes
Butterfly & Bee-Friendly & Fragrant Culinary Herb
Crevice & Rock Gardens, Between Pavers, Edging & Lawn Replacement

#ProPlantTips For Care

Coccineus Creeping Thyme is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. It also tolerates drought, poor soils, and almost any soil as long as it is well-drained. Creeping Thyme is easily divided in spring or early fall, and even small pieces will take root and grow. Clean mounds in the very early spring before they begin to grow, and shear again right after the first spring bloom if desired.

Tolerates Full Sun
Almost Any Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs Once Established
Prune Early Spring & Deadhead After Bloom If Needed
Very Easy To Grow & Drought-Tolerant

Cold-hardy, easy-care, pollinator-friendly, and adaptable? Go ahead and plan your garden! Then add some fantastic Creeping Thyme for a final, fantastic flourish. Order from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Creeping Thyme works beautifully alongside other perennials and groundcovers in rock gardens, between stepping stones, or as part of drought tolerant landscape designs. This hardy performer pairs well with other low maintenance plants for easy care gardens. For more ideas on combining perennials effectively, check out Create The Perfect Mixed Perennial Garden! and Check Out Spring Blooming Perennials for Early Spring Color!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy creeping thyme?

Creeping Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Coccineus') is widely available at garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA zones 3-9 and forms 10-12 inch mounds perfect for groundcover. Look for healthy plants in spring for best establishment before summer blooming season.

Where to buy creeping thyme plants near me?

Creeping thyme plants thrive in zones 3-9 and are readily available at garden centers nationwide. You can also shop at Nature Hills for quality plants that ship directly to your door. Look for Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' for the best rosy-red blooming variety.

How tall and wide does Creeping Thyme grow when fully mature?

Creeping Thyme reaches 3-4 inches tall and spreads to form 10-12 inch wide mounds when mature. This low-growing perennial slowly spreads to create dense, mat-forming groundcover. Plant multiple specimens 8-10 inches apart for faster coverage in zones 3-9.

Is Creeping Thyme deer resistant and will rabbits eat it?

Creeping Thyme is deer resistant and rabbits typically avoid it due to its strong aromatic oils. The herb-like, lemony scent that makes it perfect for zones 3-9 gardens naturally deters most browsing animals. Plant it in sunny areas where foot traffic will release more of its protective fragrance.

Will Creeping Thyme survive shipping during hot or cold weather?

Creeping Thyme is extremely hardy in zones 3-9 and handles temperature extremes well during shipping. This tough perennial tolerates both drought and cold conditions once established. Shop at Nature Hills for properly packaged plants that arrive ready to thrive.

Does Creeping Thyme need fertilizer and how often should it be fed?

Creeping Thyme thrives in poor soils and rarely needs fertilizer. This hardy perennial actually performs better in lean conditions, producing more fragrant oils and compact growth. Over-fertilizing can reduce flowering and make plants leggy. Skip the fertilizer and let this drought-tolerant groundcover flourish naturally.