Thymus serphyllum 'Elfin'
Common Name(s):
Wild thyme
Creeping thyme
Synonym:
Breckland thyme
Flower:
Pink
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Jul
Flowers small, showy, tubular, 2-lipped
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
YES
Family:
Lamiaceae
Small Shrub (usually < 1.5' and not >3'
Foliage:
Gray-Green
Leaves, tiny, oval, gray-green
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves remain grey green
Evergreen
Photo by:
Heading 6
Compact shrub retains leaves
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Europe, Asia
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
8-9"
Spread:
1-1.5 '
Growth Rate:
FAST
Native Habitat:
Dry slopes, rocky areas, scrubland
Soil:
Clay, limestone
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
None, but if needed apply a balanced organic fertilizer or a 1" layer of compost in early spring
Mulch:
Gravel or pea stones
Water every 10-14 days in extended dry spells, thrives in sandy, gravelly soil, avoid fertilizer or use a light organic fertilizer in early spring if growth is poor, lightly shear after flowering
Long Term:
Winter:
Drastically reduce watering, water every 3-4 weeks, apply a 2-3" layer of pine needles or straw
Spring:
Prune back areas with winter damage, apply fertilizer, water only if dry, ensure good drainage
Summer:
Water sparingly, ensure full sun and good air circulation
Fall:
Drastically reduce watering, apply a thin layer of compost or well rotted leaves, can divide 5 weeks before frost
General Care Comments:
Keep woody growth in check by pruning, replace every several years
Common Problems
Root rot due to over watering, woody from lack of pruning
Diseases:
Root rot, powdery mildew, Botrytis rot
Insects:
Thrips, spider mites
Environmental Problems:
Excess moistture poor drainage, high humidity
Pests:
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