Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'

ELFIN THYME
Family: Lamiaceae
Pronounced: TY-mus ser-PIL-lum

 

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GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Sub shrub, Herbs.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: All.
USDA zones: 4-8.
Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size:
Height: 1-2 inches (3-5 cm).
Width: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm).
Flowering period:
Summer.
Flowering attributes:
Tiny, purple flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Glossy, green fragrant leaves.
Growth habit:
Hummock-forming.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Well-drained, neutral soil.
Feeding:
Fertilizing is not necessary.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in spring or early fall.

The name 'Elfin' conjures up images of elves dancing on this diminutive herb's tiny, aromatic leaves. Although it is an herb, its main use is ornamental. In our maritime climate, the minute foliage is evergreen, making it a useful and handsome herb year round. The tiny leaves packed tightly together form a dense mat, outlining the space between flagstones in dark green. The small herb creeps over the edges of the stones wherever there are few footfalls. Growing on top of a rock wall, the plant trails down and softens the hard edges between the stones.

I prefer this ground cover to Corsican mint (Mentha requienii.) The mint tends to die back if not watered enough during our drought and in colder areas of the Pacific Northwest, and it will completely die during colder winters. After growing elfin thyme in places I usually grew Corsican mint, I found the thyme to be a superior ground cover. Once established, thymes are drought tolerant, even during the dog days of our rainless summers, it continues to look as fresh as it does in spring. It further charms with its diminutive lavender-purple flowers in summer.

In partial shade, 'Elfin' grows into small hummocks. Depending on where the thyme is growing, this hilly effect can look good. However, some gardeners prefer the small herb to grow flat. To achieve a horizontal appearance, plant it where it receives five hours of sun a day or more.

Photographed in author's garden.

A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2012)