Does Creeping Thyme Attract Bugs?

Attractive Groundcover for Good Bugs Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – Sometimes called mother of thyme, this relative of culinary thyme is slow spreading. Profuse late summer blooms of pinks and purples attract pollinators.

What does thyme attract?

4: Thyme attracts beneficial insects and pollinators.
This flowering herb attracts a wide variety of pollinators and is especially favored by lacewings, a beneficial insect, for egg-laying habitat. Lacewing larvae are voracious predators of aphids, whiteflies, cabbage moth caterpillars, and many others.

What can I plant next to creeping thyme?

Thymes blend well with other plants, too. Perennials such as betony, bee balm, sage, allium, pincushion flower, artemisia, yarrow, and iris make interesting companions. I like to grow the betony and drumstick allium underplanted with a creeping thyme.

Which creeping thyme spreads fastest?

Pink Chintz – As a variety related to the genus thymus sepyllum, the pink chintz creeping thyme features dark-green, fuzzy leaves with pink flowers in light and dark hues. This creeping thyme spreads quickly and can reach diameters of up to 24-inches.

Can I split creeping thyme?

Dividing Thyme
To divide thyme, dig up the whole plant and break it into sections. Three or four divisions per plant is usually enough as small divisions take longer to establish than larger ones. If the plant is reluctant to pull apart in your hands, use two hand forks back-to-back to prize it into sections.

Does creeping thyme attract animals?

While it does attract bees, creeping thyme does not attract rabbits and deer. As a matter of fact, it actually repels these intruders into your garden. This is, again, a benefit that your entire garden will likely enjoy.

Is creeping thyme poisonous to dogs?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and creeping or wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) are drought-tolerant evergreens that are safe for dogs and bloom in the spring and early summer.

Does creeping thyme choke out other plants?

Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme spreads by sending runners underground that choke out other plants, including weeds. It has a maximum growth height of about four inches, which is considered the ideal height for lawns, and beautiful pink, purple or blue flowers.

How quickly does creeping thyme spread?

The less space between leaves, the slower your thyme will spread. Longer segments mean faster growth. Generally, creeping thyme takes one year to get established, and then begins to spread in its second season. The herb thyme (Thymus spp.)

Can creeping thyme become invasive?

In general, these plants do not reach a height of more than six inches from the ground. These plants don’t really have to be invasive as long as you know how to care for them.

Can I walk on creeping thyme?

Thyme Alternative to Grass
A creeping thyme lawn is not only drought resistant, but it generally requires much less water than traditional turf grasses too. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, can be walked upon, and will rapidly spread to fill in a space.

Does creeping thyme repel mosquitoes?

Thyme, including red creeping thyme (shown), possesses excellent mosquito-repelling properties. The secret is to crush the leaves to release the volatile oils. You can simply place crushed stems around outdoor seating areas or rub the leaves on skin or clothing.

What does creeping thyme look like in winter?

Depending on your location, creeping thyme will either remain evergreen or it will lose its leaves and some stems will die over the winter. You don’t need to prune it, but to protect it as much as possible you can cover it with sand or gravel over the winter.

How long does creeping thyme live?

about three to five years
How long can creeping thyme live? If you’re growing creeping thyme in a pot, the original plant usually has a life span of about three to five years. However, it’s a prolific plant and self-seeder. After a few years, it may look woody and spindly, so you could decide to cut back its woody stems.

Do bees like creeping thyme?

Flowering creeping thyme is very attractive to bees and is a nice addition to a garden focused on honeybees. In fact, the pollen from the blooming thyme will flavor the resulting honey.

When should you plant creeping thyme?

Planting instructions
Creeping thyme does best in an area that gets about four hours of sun a day. Planting should be done in late spring or early summer, after the fear of frost has passed. This will allow the roots to establish themselves through the growing season.

Does creeping thyme attract flies?

The plant actually attracts flies — and bees — because both insects are pollinators.

Does creeping thyme attract butterflies?

Creeping thyme (Thymus pseudolanguinosus) makes a lush groundcover; its purple blossoms are beloved by butterflies. Don’t be put off by its tongue-twisting Latin name; most thymes are attractive to bees and generalist butterflies like skippers.

What is creeping thyme good for?

Often called the “mother of thyme,” creeping thyme thrives in full sun. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators—particularly bees and butterflies—and the mint-like flavor of its dark green leaves makes it deer-resistant. Gardeners often favor creeping thyme for landscaping, sometimes as a lawn substitute.

Does creeping thyme like sun or shade?

Soil: Grows well in well-draining soils. Light: Sun (> 6 hours sun) is needed for best foliage and bloom. Water: Keep soil moist but not wet as plants establish. Once established, it tolerates dry conditions.

Is creeping thyme toxic to cats?

True Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is not at native plant and it is not on the ASPCA plants toxic to cats list.