Thymus 'Elfin'

Thymus 'Elfin': A Tiny Cushion That Stays Put

'Elfin' is so small and tidy it looks like it was planted by very organized garden gnomes. A dense little mound of dark green leaves with tiny lavender-pink flowers. CUTE ENOUGH TO BE SUSPICIOUS.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'
• Common Name: Elfin Creeping Thyme
• Height: 2–8 cm (1–3 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in), filling in slowly
• Flowers: Tiny lavender-pink tubular flowers
• Bloom Time: Summer (July to August)
• Foliage: Very small, aromatic, dark green leaves in a dense, mounded mat
• Features: Handles light foot traffic

Where to Plant: Use it where small is the point: between pavers in a narrow path, in the cracks of a dry stone wall, in troughs and containers, and in rock or alpine gardens. It creeps slowly, so it won't swamp tiny neighbours. Plant it where it gets light foot traffic, not daily trampling.

Companion Plants: Tuck tiny 'Elfin' between stones or into a trough in a sunny, dry bed with a small iris and bigger sea holly behind. Iris 'Dream Stuff' opens small white and yellow bearded iris at 25 cm in May and June. Echinacea KISMET® 'Raspberry' adds raspberry coneflowers at 40 to 45 cm from June to October. Eryngium 'Big Blue' brings metallic steel-blue sea holly at 70 to 75 cm from June to August. Schizachyrium Prairie Winds® 'Brush Strokes' grows to 80 to 90 cm in powder blue.

Plant Care: Give it full sun and lean, very well-drained soil. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal. Soggy soil, especially in winter, causes root rot, so avoid heavy clay and low wet spots. Water through the first season, then only during long dry spells. It doesn't need fertilizer. Because it grows slowly, plant a little closer than other thymes if you want quick cover. Trim off any brown patches in spring. Divide small pieces in spring or early fall if you want more.

History: Thymus serpyllum, often called wild thyme or creeping thyme, is native to Europe and reaches east into western Siberia. The word thyme may come from Greek words for courage or perfume, and the plant was once a medieval symbol of bravery.

Final Thoughts: Tuck it in a trough or between stones that see light foot traffic. Deer don't bother. SMALL BUT MIGHTY? MOSTLY SMALL. STILL MIGHTY.