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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.

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

5 from 1 customers

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground. Naturally tough and adaptable, it thrives in coastal conditions, exposed sites, and light frost. Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is both practical and decorative in NZ gardens and landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1

Vinca Elizabeth Cran

5 from 1 customers

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that creep along the ground. Semi-double, purple flowers adorn the plant in spring as it grows to about 10 cm tall and 1 m wide. Vinca Elizabeth Cran is commonly included in cottage gardens and used where a hardy groundcover is required. It is also often grown in a container or hanging basket and allowed to cascade over the edges.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, White
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...

From$16.95
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) growing as a topiary hedge.
Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue)

Muehlenbeckia complexa (Pohuehue) is a vigorous, hardy NZ native climber or groundcover. It features wiry, twining stems and small, glossy green...

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

Muehlenbeckia axillaris, commonly known as Creeping Wire Vine, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover with wiry stems and small, dark green...

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Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

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

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

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Ficus pumila 'Ice Caps' plant with trailling variegated foliage.
Ficus 'Ice Caps'

Ficus 'Ice Caps' is a variety of Creeping Fig that features variegated leaves. It carries small, heart-shaped leaves which are light green with a...

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Pyrethropsis hosmariensis plant with dark green foliage and white flowers.
Pyrethropsis hosmariensis (Rhodanthemum)

Pyrethropsis hosmariensis (otherwise known as Chrysanthemum hosmariense or Leucanthemum hosmariense) is a shrub that features interesting foliage and...

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Liriope spicata plants with pink-blue flowers in a garden.
Liriope spicata (Creeping Lilyturf)

Liriope spicata, commonly known as Creeping Lily Turf, grows as a clump and produces arching, strap-like, dark green leaves. Short stems carrying...

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Sedum 'Gold Mound' growing as a bright yellow ground cover plant.
Sedum Gold Mound

Sedum 'Gold Mound' is grown for its colourful foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of small, succulent, golden leaves. These are held...

From$23.39
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Bergenia 'Rotblum' (Heart Leaf Bergenia)

Bergenia 'Rotblum' is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its bold glossy foliage and vibrant deep pink flowers that appear in late winter and...

From$18.95
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter' plants with fine and elegant, blue foliage.
Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter'

Pimelea prostrata 'Blue Peter', commonly known as Pinatoro or the NZ Daphne plant, is a mat-forming, NZ native, ground cover plant. It has small...

From$23.39
Cerastium tomentosum ground cover with grey foliage and elegant white flowers.
Cerastium tomentosum

Cerastium tomentosum is an herbaceous perennial featuring tiny, white, star shaped flowers through spring and summer. These are complemented with...

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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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Pratia angulata (Panakenake) plants growing as a dense ground cover with lush green leaves and pretty, white flowers.
Pratia angulata

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a fast-growing, NZ native ground cover plant. It has small, rounded, green leaves that are held...

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Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)

Fuchsia procumbens, commonly known as Creeping Fuchsia, is a low-growing, NZ native plant valued for its unique yellow-red flowers and ornamental...

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Hedera canariensis growing on a wall with green foliage.
Hedera canariensis

Hedera canariensis, commonly known as Canary Island Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber valued for its large, glossy green leaves and rapid growth...

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Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

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Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' plants with elegant blue flowers and lush green leaves growing as a ground cover.
Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty'

Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen groundcover valued for its large glossy green leaves flushed with bronze and its...

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Lobelia angulata plant with green foliage and elegant white flowers.
Lobelia angulata (Panakenake)

Lobelia angulata is a charming NZ native groundcover admired for its small, bright green leaves and delicate white star shaped flowers that bloom...

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Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis Variegata

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Grevillea prostrata 'Aurea' yellow flower.
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Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' plants with variegated foliage and blue flowers.
Ajuga reptans variegata

Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' is a quick-growing, ground-covering plant that features colourful leaves that are variegated green and cream. In spring, it...

From$17.87
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Rubus pentalobus (Creeping Raspberry)

Rubus pentalobus is a hardy, low growing groundcover known for its attractive textured foliage, small white flowers, and bright red berries. This...

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Chamaemelum nobile plants with white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile)

Chamaemelum nobile, known as Lawn Chamomile or Roman Chamomile, is a fragrant, low-growing perennial herb ideal for lawns, borders, and herbal...

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Ophiopogon japonicus (Green Mondo Grass) growing as a groundcover in a woodland garden.
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Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as green Mondo Grass, is a striking ornamental grass. It grows as a clump and produces a dense tuft of...

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Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
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Selliera 'Sundrops' plant with variegated yellow and green, fleshy leaves.
Selliera 'Sundrops'

Selliera 'Sundrops' is a tough low growing ground cover valued for its glossy green foliage and cheerful yellow daisy flowers that appear through the...

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Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

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Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

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Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.
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Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Ajuga, Arthropodium, Bergenia, Cerastium, Chamaemelum, Coprosma, Ficus, Fuchsia, Grevillea, Hedera, Isotoma, Juniperus, Liriope, Lobelia, Muehlenbeckia, Ophiopogon, Pimelea, Pratia, Pyrethropsis, Rosmarinus, Rubus, Sedum, Selliera, and Vinca,, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, Mondo Grass, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs, and Succulents.

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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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) and Apodasmia similis (Oi Oi) are tried and true, but new favourites like Acer 'Armstrong', Azalea 'Mrs Kint Red', and Mesembryanthemum Crimson Glory are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

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