Creeping Thyme Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz', commonly known as creeping thyme, is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb. This attractive ground cover is characterized by its dense, aromatic foliage that spreads outwards, creating a lush carpet. The leaves are tiny, oval-shaped, and slightly hairy, exhibiting a soft, grey-green hue. During its flowering season, creeping thyme produces a profusion of charming pink flowers that arrange themselves in tight clusters, offering a vibrant display against the verdant backdrop of its foliage. These blossoms are a magnet for bees and butterflies, adding to the visual interest of the plant. Due to its habit of spreading, creeping thyme can create an enchanting tapestry of foliage and flowers across the area it covers.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Lamiaceae.
- Synonyms
  Breckland Thyme, Wild Thyme, Creeping Thyme, Mother-of-Thyme, Pink Chintz Thyme.
- Common names
  Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Wild thyme, including the 'Pink Chintz' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. While it is widely used as a culinary herb, there is no significant evidence to suggest toxicity when ingested in typical amounts. Consequently, the typical use of wild thyme does not pose a risk of poisoning, and no characteristic symptoms are associated with its consumption in normal culinary quantities.
- To pets
  Wild thyme is generally recognized as being safe for pets when consumed in small, reasonable amounts, such as those encountered with casual nibbling or ingestion. It is not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, or other household pets. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with wild thyme, and it is considered to have a low risk of toxicity to domestic animals when ingested in moderation.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  3 inches (7.62 cm)
- Spread
  18 inches (45.72 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4-8
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Pink Chintz thyme attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Ground Cover: It forms a dense mat that can suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Pink Chintz produces lovely pink flowers that can add a splash of color to garden landscapes.
- Culinary Uses: Can be used as a flavorful herb in cooking, though it is less common than other thyme varieties.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant scent that can make a garden more enjoyable.
- Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance, as it is hardy and grows well in poor soils.
- Lawn Alternative: Can be used as a low-growing, low-maintenance lawn substitute.
- Edging Plant: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for borders and pathways.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides cover and nectar for a variety of small wildlife and insects.
Medical Properties
- Antiseptic: Thymus serpyllum, commonly known as wild thyme, contains compounds with antiseptic properties, which can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: Wild thyme has been shown to have antioxidant effects, helping to protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Expectorant: It has traditionally been used to help clear the airways, acting as an expectorant to relieve coughs.
- Carminative: The essential oils in wild thyme can aid in reducing gas and bloating by relieving spasms in the digestive tract.
- Antitussive: Wild thyme has been used as a natural remedy for suppressing coughs.
- Antispasmodic: It can help alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
- Astringent: Wild thyme has astringent properties, potentially useful in toning the skin and mucous membranes.
- Antihelminthic: Traditionally used to expel parasitic worms from the body.
Please consult professional medical sources for reference and before considering any use of herbs for health purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Culinary Garnish: The tiny, aromatic leaves of Pink Chintz can be used fresh or dried to garnish dishes, adding a subtle hint of flavor as well as visual appeal.
- Natural Dye Source: Pink Chintz flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of pink and purple.
- Bath Soaks: The antiseptic and aromatic properties of Pink Chintz make it a soothing addition to homemade bath soaks or bath bombs.
- Aromatherapy: The calming scent of Pink Chintz can be infused into oils for use in aromatherapy to reduce stress or promote relaxation.
- Sachets and Potpourris: Dried Pink Chintz can be included in sachets and potpourris to impart a pleasant fragrance to drawers, closets, or rooms.
- Decorative Element in Crafts: The small flowers and leaves can be used in crafting, such as in the creation of natural wreaths or floral arrangements.
- Insect Repellent: The strong scent of Pink Chintz is said to repel certain insects, making it a natural choice to plant in areas where insect control is desired.
- Flavoring Herb in Cheeses: Pink Chintz can be mixed into soft cheeses to infuse them with a unique, herby flavor.
- Flavor Infusions: Leaves and flowers of Pink Chintz can be infused in vinegar or oil, creating aromatic condiments for salads and cooking.
- Edible Landscaping: Owing to its low growing habit and attractiveness, Pink Chintz serves as an appealing edible ground cover in landscaped gardens.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Creeping Thyme is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Creeping Thyme is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Courage and Bravery: Thyme, in general, has been associated with courage and bravery since ancient times. Roman soldiers exchanged sprigs of thyme as a symbol of respect and valour.
- Healing and Protection: 'Pink Chintz' thyme, like other Thymus species, is believed to have medicinal properties and has been used in herbal medicine to signify healing. It also represents protection, warding off negativity and illness.
- Affection: The soft, pink flowers of the 'Pink Chintz' may symbolize gentle affection and an admiration for someone's kind and caring nature.
- Femininity: The delicate pink hue of the flowers is often associated with femininity and can represent womanly grace and beauty.
- Faithful Love: In some traditions, thyme can represent fidelity and the plant is sometimes included in wedding decorations to symbolize a steadfast relationship.

💧

Every 1-3 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Not needed

Repotting

🌱️

Late Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Creeping Thyme should be watered deeply when the soil feels dry to the touch, roughly about once a week, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. In general, apply approximately one gallon of water per square yard every week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall and temperature variations. During hot and dry spells, watering frequency may need to increase, while in cooler or rainy periods, it can be less frequent.
Light
Creeping Thyme thrives in full sun where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for Creeping Thyme is an area with unobstructed exposure to sunlight, but the plant can tolerate light shade. For optimal growth and flowering, positioning it in an area that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day is ideal.
Temperature
Creeping Thyme is hardy and can tolerate a temperature range from about -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to prevent the plant from getting too cold below the freezing point for prolonged periods, and equally, it should be protected from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Prune Creeping Thyme to maintain its shape, encourage denser growth, and remove any damaged or woody stems. Trimming can be done in the early spring or after the plant has finished flowering in the summer. Pruning once a year is typically enough, but additional light trimming can be done as needed to keep it tidy.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Thyme 'Pink Chintz' thrives in well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of two-thirds coarse sand or perlite and one-third organic matter such as compost or peat moss is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration. It's essential to avoid soil that retains too much moisture to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Thyme 'Pink Chintz' is generally not often repotted as it prefers to be slightly root-bound and can thrive in the same pot for several years. However, if the plant outgrows its pot or the soil becomes depleted, it can be repotted every 2 to 3 years during the spring, using the soil mixture suitable for its growth requirements.
Humidity & Misting
Thyme 'Pink Chintz' does well in average atmospheric humidity and does not require any special humidity adjustments. It is quite tolerant of dry conditions and too much humidity can actually be detrimental, potentially leading to fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright light, well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, prune after flowering.
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz', commonly known as creeping thyme, begins its life as a seed, typically sown in the spring once the threat of frost has passed. The seeds germinate in warm, moist soil, and seedlings emerge, putting down roots and developing their first true leaves. As they grow, these plants spread out to form a mat-like ground cover, with stems rooting at nodes to expand their reach. Throughout late spring and summer, creeping thyme produces clusters of small, pink flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, allowing new plants to grow in nearby areas. In the winter, the plant becomes dormant, but as a hardy perennial, it survives the cold to regrow and complete its life cycle again in the next season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late Spring-Early Summer
- Thymus serpyllum 'Pink Chintz', commonly known as creeping thyme, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This method is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. To propagate creeping thyme using stem cuttings, select a healthy parent plant during its active growth period, typically in the spring or early summer. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) long stem segment just below a leaf node, ensuring that there are several sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose a section of the stem. Next, dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting well and maintain consistent moisture without over-saturating the soil. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots, after which it can be transplanted to its final location.