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creeping thyme plants

Creeping thyme plants are a versatile and attractive choice for New Zealand gardens, offering year-round interest, fragrant foliage, and a lush ground cover that suppresses weeds and reduces maintenance. These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-drained soils, making them perfect for borders, pathways, rock gardens, or even between pavers. Whether you’re after a burst of summer colour or a hardy lawn alternative, creeping thyme plants add texture, aroma, and pollinator value to both modern and cottage-style landscapes.

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 coccineus plants with pink flowers growing between paving stones.

Thymus coccineus

Thymus coccineus, also known as Red Creeping Thyme, is a hardy, low growing perennial groundcover admired for its vibrant magenta red flowers. Flowering profusely in summer, it creates a carpet of colour that attracts bees and pollinators.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 5 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' with fantastic yellow foliage growing over a wall.
Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme)

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' is a beautiful golden leaved form of Lemon Thyme valued for its fragrant foliage, culinary uses, and ornamental appeal...

From$11.95
thymus-doerfleri-bressingham-pink--3
Thymus 'Bressingham Pink'

Thymus 'Bressingham Pink' is a beautiful low growing evergreen thyme admired for its soft green foliage and masses of bright pink flowers in summer...

From$11.95
Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged...

From$17.95
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...

From$10.95
Stromanthe triostar plant.
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$33.05
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...

From$9.95
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$24.95
70-windbreak-2
Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$499.80
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$17.95
zamioculcas-black-knight-
Zamioculcas Black Knight (Zamioculcas Plant)

Zamioculcas Black Knight is a very popular indoor plant owing to its dark and showy foliage. It grows as a clump and produces upright fronds which...

From$41.33
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...

From$9.95
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.
Fine Fescue Lawn Seed

Fine Fescue lawn seed is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance. This...

From$28.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$34.95
A strong and studry planting spade.
Ace1 Planting Spade

The Ace 1 planting spade is a must for any gardener. This spade is designed so it can penetrate the ground easily without jarring the wrists in the...

From$225.86
rubus-pentalobus-2
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...

From$35.81
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
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Fertiliser for acid loving plants

Fertiliser for acid loving plants provides targeted nutrition for plants that perform best in acidic soil conditions. It helps support healthy...

From$7.95
indoor-plant-fertiliser-
Indoor Plant Fertiliser

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$16.95
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Lockwood de Forest' plants trailing over a wall.
Rosmarinus 'Lockwood de Forest' (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosemary 'Lockwood de Forest' is a creeping or prostrate variety of Rosemary that features petite, blue flowers through winter and spring. These are...

From$22.01
native-plant-fertiliser-
Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$16.95
Juncus effusus plants growing in water.
Juncus effusus (Soft Rush Plant)

Juncus effusus (Spiral Rush) is an eye catching rush valued for its distinctive twisting green stems, compact clumping habit, and strong...

From$16.49
10-litre-plant-pots-
10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.76
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
Plant watering bottle for watering a plant on a shelf.
Plant Watering Bottle

Plant Watering Bottles provide a simple and convenient way to deliver water directly to indoor plants, seedlings, cuttings, and small container...

From$55.13
15-litre-plant-pots-
1.5 Litre Plant Pots

1.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing young shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide useful...

From$27.36
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3.5 Litre Plant Pots

3.5 Litre Plant Pots are a versatile choice for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other established plants. They provide generous root...

From$48.96
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5 Litre Plant Pots

5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical choice for growing larger shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and young trees. They provide generous root space to...

From$79.20
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2.5 Litre Plant Pots

2.5 Litre Plant Pots are a practical option for growing shrubs, perennials, grasses, herbs, and other developing plants. They provide ample root...

From$37.44
Thymus 'Emerald Carpet'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Callisia, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Groundcover Plants, and Herbs.

Search creeping thyme plants

Why Choose Creeping Thyme Plants?

Gardeners love creeping thyme plants for their ability to spread gracefully and fill spaces where traditional lawns may struggle. With low-growing mats of tiny, aromatic leaves and a profusion of flowers from late spring to summer, they invite bees and butterflies into your garden while keeping the weeds at bay. Their drought tolerance and low nutrient requirements also mean less watering and feeding, making them a sustainable option for busy or eco-friendly gardeners.

Varieties of Creeping Thyme Plants

Looking to add colour and diversity to your ground cover? Explore our popular varieties:

If you love hardy groundcovers but want a different look, consider Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Myoporum), which offers a similar spreading habit with unique, small white flowers.

How to Grow Creeping Thyme Plants

Creeping thyme plants are easy to establish. Choose a sunny spot with free-draining soil. Space plants about 20-30cm apart to allow them to knit together naturally and form a dense mat. Water deeply when first planted, but once established, they require minimal irrigation. Trim lightly after flowering to keep your thyme tidy and encourage new growth.

Design Ideas and Uses

Use creeping thyme plants to create living pathways, edge garden beds, or fill gaps in stone walls. Their aromatic foliage releases a pleasant scent when brushed or walked on, providing a sensory delight for family gardens. They’re also edible—tiny thyme leaves add herbal flavours to many recipes.

Creeping thyme plants are the ultimate multipurpose ground cover, offering beauty, resilience, and practicality throughout your garden. Browse our range and discover the perfect variety for your landscape vision.


Contact us

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.

–The Plant Company

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