Thymus 'Albiflorus'

Thymus 'Albiflorus': White Blooms for Stepping-Stone Gaps

White creeping thyme is the plant that says sure, walk all over me, and then smells fantastic about it. A flat mat smothered in tiny white flowers. DOORMAT? NO. WELCOME MAT.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus'
• Common Name: White Creeping Thyme
• Height: 2–5 cm (1–2 in)
• Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Flowers: Tiny white flowers in small clusters that cover the mat
• Bloom Time: Early to midsummer (June to July)
• Foliage: Small, light green, aromatic leaves that stay evergreen in milder winters
• Features: Rabbit resistant, handles moderate foot traffic

Where to Plant: Tuck it between stepping stones, along the edge of a sunny path, into a rock garden or along the top of a stone wall. In a small, dry, sunny patch it can stand in for lawn. It grows fairly slowly, so plant a little closer for faster cover.

Companion Plants: Let white creeping thyme fill gaps between pavers or edge a sunny, dry bed with pinks and late sedum. Armeria 'Rubrifolia' adds magenta-pink pompoms at 15 to 20 cm in May and June. Salvia 'Pink Profusion' brings dark pink spikes at 36 to 41 cm from June to August. Sedum 'Autumn Fire' adds pink to rust heads at 45 to 60 cm from August to October. Sporobolus heterolepis adds a fine, glossy mound at 60 to 90 cm with fragrant airy flowers.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in lean, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soil. Thyme hates wet feet, especially in winter, so heavy clay that stays soggy is a problem. Add grit or plant on a slope or in a raised spot if your soil is clay. Water through the first season while the roots settle. After that, water only during long dry spells. Skip the fertilizer. A light shearing after bloom keeps the mat tidy. To make more, divide in spring or early fall. Small rooted pieces take off easily.

History: Thymus praecox is a European thyme, found from Iceland and Greenland through much of central and southern Europe, and the word thyme likely traces back to Greek, possibly to a word for courage or one for perfume. 'Albiflorus' simply means white-flowered.

Final Thoughts: Tuck it between stepping stones and let bees and butterflies buzz your ankles. Deer and rabbits pass. STEP ON IT. LITERALLY.