Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'
Common Name(s):
Wild thyme
Red creeping thyme
Synonym:
Thymus praecox subsp anticus
Mother of thyme
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Aug
Small, deep pink two lipped flower
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Lamiaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3'
Foliage:
Gray-Green
Leaves tiny, glossy, blue-green in color, 1/4"
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves stay green
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Evergreen ground cover
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Eurasia
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
5
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
.25-.25'
Spread:
.25-1'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Sunny rocky open meadows and hillsides
Soil:
Loose rocky or sandy soil
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Light balanced 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 or a 1/2" layer of compost, apply early spring
Mulch:
Small gravel or stone chips
Water during prolonged dry spells, trim to maintain appearence ,protect from cold and frost
Long Term:
Winter:
Reduce then stop watering, protect with boughs if not done in fall
Spring:
Trim back by 1/2" to remove winter damage, water sparingly, if needed apply a light balanced fertilizer or compost
Summer:
Water only if dry, ensure full sun, shear after flowering
Fall:
Water during dry spells, can trim older plants to remove woody growth, consider covering with pine boughs to protect from cold and frost, late fall is a good time to divide if needed
General Care Comments:
Prune back as necessay water when dry, protect from frost and cold
Common Problems
Patchiness, browning, doesn't tolerate foot traffic
Diseases:
Root rot when too wet
Insects:
Aphids, spider mites, thrips
Environmental Problems:
As a creeping groundcover it can overcome other plants for space if not kept in check
Pests:
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