Breckland Thyme
Thymus serpyllum
Lamiaceae · perennial · introduced
Last updated
As of March 31, 2026, soil temperature at Kent / Auburn is 47.7°F. Breckland Thyme, hardy to Zone Zones 4a–9b, is in early-season conditions in Zone 8b.
Creeping thyme (mother of thyme, wild thyme) is a low creeping perennial native to northern Europe and western Asia. It produces tiny two-lipped flowers from June to September in shades of pink to deep purple, with foliage turning brown-copper in fall.
Creeping thyme is hardy in zones 4a-9b and thrives in full sun with very dry, well-drained soil (pH 6.0-8.0). Growth is rapid with low maintenance and exceptional drought tolerance. It tolerates deer, shallow rocky soil, and urban conditions, making it excellent for walkable groundcover and living paths.