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creeping thyme ground cover

Creeping thyme ground cover is an outstanding choice for garden enthusiasts seeking a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and visually appealing solution for filling spaces. In New Zealand gardens, creeping thyme is valued for its soft texture, aromatic foliage, and bursts of vibrant colour when in bloom. Whether you need dense coverage for pathways, want to suppress weeds between stepping stones, or are searching for a pollinator-friendly addition, creeping thyme ground cover offers versatility alongside its natural beauty.

thymus-emerald-carpet--1

Thymus 'Emerald Carpet'

Thymus 'Emerald Carpet' is a popular creeping thyme valued for its dense mat of rich green foliage and excellent groundcover qualities. This evergreen perennial creates a lush carpet effect that remains attractive throughout the year. During summer, masses of small flowers appear above the foliage and attract bees and other beneficial insects.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 5 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Thymus pseudolanuginosus plant with small green leaves adorned with small pink flowers.

Thymus pseudolanuginosus

Thymus pseudolanuginosus (Woolly Thyme) is a charming low growing groundcover admired for its soft grey green foliage and delicate summer flowers. This hardy evergreen herb forms a dense mat that thrives in sunny well drained positions.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 5 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Culinary, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
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Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

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Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

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Muehlenbeckia axillaris growing as a ground cover.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris (Creeping Wire Vine)

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Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.
Isotoma fluviatilis

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Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
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Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

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Acaena novae-zelandiae colourful foliage.
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Piripiri)

Acaena novae-zelandiae is a hardy NZ native groundcover commonly known as Bidgee Widgee. It is admired for its fine green foliage and small burr like...

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Fine Fescue Lawn Seed

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Leptinella dioica

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Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

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Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis Variegata

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Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

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Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

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Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

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Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

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Rosmarinus prostrata trailing over a bank.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

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Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

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Hedera helix 'Needlepoint' creeping stems with green foliage.
Hedera helix 'Needlepoint'

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Callisia repens

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Hedera 'Golden Ingot' plant with green and yellow foliage.
Hedera helix 'Golden Ingot'

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Thymus 'Emerald Carpet'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Coprosma, and Ficus, or related Categories - Herbicides, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search creeping thyme ground cover

Why Choose Creeping Thyme Ground Cover?

Creeping thyme ground cover stands out among ground covering plants due to its adaptability and minimal care requirements. Once established, creeping thyme forms a dense carpet that inhibits weed growth and retains soil moisture, making it perfect for both sunny front gardens and tricky dry slopes. Its tolerance of light foot traffic makes it an ideal choice for planting between pavers in courtyards or along driveways.

Unlike many traditional ground covers, creeping thyme releases a pleasant fragrance when stepped on, adding an extra sensory dimension to your garden paths. This ground cover also attracts beneficial insects, including bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in your outdoor space.

Varieties of Creeping Thyme Ground Cover

Choosing the right creeping thyme variety enhances both aesthetics and function in your landscape. Gardeners looking for a unique touch can explore the white-flowered Thymus praecox Albiflorus (White Creeping Thyme), which offers a delicate contrast to greener foliage and suits minimalist modern gardens.

For a bold display, consider Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet) or Thymus praecox Coccineus (Red Creeping Thyme), both of which bring lush magenta and deep red tones to summer ground covers. If you love a velvety, emerald carpet effect, Thymus Emerald Carpet (Thyme Emerald Carpet) delivers compact growth with vivid foliage that stays fresh-looking year-round.

Tips for Planting and Growing Creeping Thyme

To establish a thriving creeping thyme ground cover, pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Space out plants roughly 15-20 cm apart to allow the mats to knit together over time. Water deeply after planting, then reduce watering as thyme establishes its drought tolerance. Occasional light pruning helps maintain neatness and encourages denser growth. Feeding is rarely necessary; creeping thyme prefers lean, slightly alkaline soils.

If you’re comparing ground covers, you might also like to consider Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Myoporum), a resilient native alternative for wetter or coastal locations.

Where to Buy Creeping Thyme Ground Cover in New Zealand

Browse our selection of premium creeping thyme ground cover varieties suited to New Zealand climates. Whether you’re searching for the scented whites, striking reds, or lush greens, explore our range to find the best option for your garden or landscape project. Creeping thyme ground cover isn’t just beautiful and practical—it’s a wonderful way to create lasting, low-maintenance garden interest year after year.


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Rose 'Flower Carpet White' and Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' are tried and true, but new favourites like Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood), Phyllostachys nigra, and Dymondia margaretae are just waiting to be discovered.
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