Thymus 'Coccineus'

Thymus 'Coccineus' – Red Creeping Thyme: A Vibrant and Aromatic Groundcover

Enhance your garden's appeal with Thymus 'Coccineus', commonly known as Red Creeping Thyme. Renowned for its vibrant display of deep pink to red flowers and its fragrant, low-growing foliage, this thyme variety is an excellent choice for adding both color and fragrance to pathways, rock gardens, and borders.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Grows to a modest height of about 5-10 cm, making it an ideal choice for a ground-hugging display.
• Spread: Spreads quickly to cover up to 30 cm or more, forming a dense mat that effectively chokes out weeds and stabilizes soil.
• Leaf Colour: Features small, evergreen, dark green leaves that provide a lush background for its bright blooms.
• Flowering Period: Produces a profusion of deep pink to red flowers from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Foliage: The leaves emit a delightful fragrance when disturbed, adding a sensory element to your garden that is particularly enjoyable when planted in high-traffic areas.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thrives in full sun, which encourages the most abundant flowering and maintains the plant's compact growth habit.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; however, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate poor soil conditions, including dry and rocky substrates.

Uses and Benefits: Thymus 'Coccineus' is particularly effective when used as a ground cover or between stepping stones, where it can tolerate light foot traffic while releasing its pleasant aroma. It's also an excellent choice for rock gardens or as a border plant, providing a continuous carpet of color and texture. In addition to its ornamental value, Red Creeping Thyme is edible and can be used in the same culinary applications as more traditional thyme varieties.

Companion Plants: Combine Thymus 'Coccineus' with other drought-resistant plants for a vibrant, low-maintenance garden:

• Sedum (Stonecrop): Offers contrasting foliage and flower shapes that complement the fine texture of thyme.
• Lavender: Provides height and a different floral hue that beautifully accents the red flowers of creeping thyme.
• Santolina: With its silver foliage and yellow flowers, Santolina highlights the rich colors of Red Creeping Thyme.

Care Instructions: Plant in an area that receives full sun to ensure dense foliage and optimal flowering. Soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which could harm the plant. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Thereafter, Thymus 'Coccineus' is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering. Pruning after flowering helps maintain its compact growth and may encourage a second bloom.

History: Thymus 'Coccineus' is a member of the Thymus genus, which includes a variety of species known for their use as culinary herbs and ornamental groundcovers. This particular cultivar is prized for its striking flower color and resilience in a range of garden settings.

Final Thoughts: Thymus 'Coccineus' offers an appealing combination of visual beauty, aromatic pleasure, and culinary utility, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Its ability to thrive in challenging conditions and its stunning floral display make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a colorful, fragrant, and functional landscape.