Description
Commonly known as:
Red Creeping Thyme, Creeping Red Thyme, Mother-of-Thyme
Description of Plant:
Thymus praecox ‘Coccineus’ is a low-growing perennial herb prized for its vibrant crimson-red flowers and fragrant evergreen foliage. It forms a dense, colorful mat that softens pathways, fills rock gardens, and spills over borders. The blooms attract bees and butterflies, making it as beneficial as it is beautiful.
Growth Habit:
This spreading groundcover grows 2–4 inches tall and spreads 12–18 inches or more. It creates a dense carpet that helps suppress weeds and tolerates light foot traffic.
Watering Instructions:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Soil Needs:
Prefers well-draining sandy, rocky, or gravelly soil. It performs best in lean soils with excellent drainage.
Sun Requirements:
Thrives in full sun and develops the best flowering and foliage color with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Indoor or Outdoor Tips:
Best grown outdoors as a groundcover, between stepping stones, in rock gardens, or cascading over walls and containers. Good air circulation helps keep plants healthy.
Perennial or Annual:
Perennial in Southern California.
Additional Tips:
The fragrant foliage releases a pleasant herbal scent when brushed or stepped on. Bees and butterflies flock to the flowers throughout the blooming season. Edible: The leaves can be used fresh or dried to flavor meats, soups, vegetables, and herbal teas. Medicinal: Thyme has a long history of traditional use in herbal teas and natural remedies for soothing coughs, sore throats, and supporting respiratory health.
