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how fast does creeping thyme grow

Wondering "how fast does creeping thyme grow"? If you’re planning to plant this hardy groundcover in your New Zealand garden, you’re not alone. Creeping thyme is a top choice for filling gaps between pavers, softening paths, and creating lush, flowering carpets. But before committing to mass planting, it’s essential to know how quickly you can expect creeping thyme to establish and spread.

Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.

Coprosma kirkii

5 from 3 customers

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 25 cm
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' with fantastic yellow foliage growing over a wall.

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' (Citrus Thyme)

5 from 1 customers

Thymus citriodorus 'Aurea' is a beautiful golden leaved form of Lemon Thyme valued for its fragrant foliage, culinary uses, and ornamental appeal. The bright golden green leaves release a refreshing lemon scent when touched and provide year round colour in the garden. Small flowers appear during summer and attract bees and other beneficial insects.

From $11.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Herbs
Height: 20 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, Mediterranean, Modern
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...

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Fuchsia procumbens plant growing across the ground with green foliage and yellow-green flowers.
Fuchsia procumbens (Climbing 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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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
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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Syzygium Resilience hedge.
Syzygium 'Resilience'

Syzygium 'Resilience', commonly known as Lilly Pilly 'Resilience', is a popular evergreen shrub valued for its glossy foliage, dense growth habit...

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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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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...

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Solanum jasminoides 'Grandiflora' (Potato Vine)

Solanum jasminoides 'Grandiflora' is a vigorous evergreen climber renowned for its larger than usual clusters of star shaped white flowers and...

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Senecio serpens (Blue Chalk Sticks) plants growing as a dense ground cover.
Senecio serpens

Senecio serpens, commonly known as Blue Chalksticks, is a succulent grown for its foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of pointed...

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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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Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

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Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$22.01
Sedum 'Green Blob' with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.
Sedum 'Green Blob'

Sedum 'Green Blob' is grown for its bright green foliage and creeping growth habit. It forms a carpet of small and succulent, rounded foliage. These...

From$21.39
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Windbreak - 50%

This green windbreak is also used as garden shade cloth and reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will...

From$856.80
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

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PB40 Planter Bags (Tomato Grow Bag)

PB40 Planter Bags are a durable and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

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Buddleia fallowiana 'Lochinch' purple flower cluster amidst lush grey foliage.
Buddleia 'Lochinch'

Buddleia 'Lochinch' (Butterfly Bush) is a fast growing deciduous shrub admired for its long sprays of soft lavender blue flowers and silvery green...

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A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.
Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta (White Tea Tree) is a fast growing NZ native tree known for its fine foliage and masses of small white flowers that attract bees and...

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Hedera canariensis variegata green and cream foliage.
Hedera canariensis 'Variegata'

Hedera canariensis 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen climber known for its large, glossy green leaves edged with creamy-white variegation. This...

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Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia 'Royal Red' is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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Viburnum davidii (male)

Viburnum davidii (male) (Male) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its distinctive leathery foliage with deeply impressed veins and naturally...

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Shadecloth - 70% Shade

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...

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A well trimmed Ficus Tuffy hedge with lush green foliage.
Ficus 'Tuffi'

Ficus 'Tuffi', also known as Ficus Tuffy, is a dense, upright evergreen shrub popular in New Zealand for hedging and screening. It features glossy...

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PB8 Planter Bags (Mushroom Grow Bags)

PB8 Planter Bags are a practical and economical option for growing larger trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other established nursery stock...

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35L Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Potatoes)

35L Planter Bags are a practical and durable option for growing trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and larger nursery stock. Their flexible...

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Hardenbergia 'Happy Wanderer' ground cover with lush green foliage and purple flowers.
Hardenbergia 'Happy Wanderer'

Hardenbergia 'Happy Wanderer' is a vigorous evergreen climber grown for its masses of deep purple pea like flowers and glossy green foliage. Well...

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Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) yellow foliage.
Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'

Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (Golden Privet) is a bright evergreen shrub valued for its golden yellow and green variegated foliage. Well suited to...

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Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' hedge.
Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald'

Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald' is a lush, NZ-native shrub known for its glossy, deep green foliage and dense, upright growth. It typically reaches 3-4...

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Large Phyllostachys nigra (Black Bamboo) plants growing in clumps beside a path.
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Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is one of the more elegant and interesting bamboo varieties. It features erect, black stems that...

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Shadecloth - 50% Shade

This shade cloth which is also used as garden windbreak, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 50%. Therefore, 50% of the wind or light will still...

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Coprosma kirkii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cerastium, Coprosma, and Fuchsia, or related Categories - Grass Seed, Evergreen Climbers, and Groundcover Plants.

Search how fast does creeping thyme grow

How Fast Does Creeping Thyme Grow in New Zealand Gardens?

Creeping thyme is celebrated for its relatively swift growth compared to many other groundcovers. Under optimal conditions, most varieties will fill in an area within a single growing season. Typically, you can expect individual plants to spread between 30 – 45 cm in their first year after planting, depending on soil quality, sunlight, and water availability. In ideal conditions with well-drained soil and full sun, creeping thyme can grow noticeably each month during the warmer seasons.

After planting, creeping thyme usually establishes roots quickly, then begins to spread outward. It’s not uncommon to see substantial results as early as 3 to 4 months. However, full coverage may take up to a year, especially if plants are spaced further apart or started from smaller potted stock.

Popular Varieties and Growth Rates

While the general answer to "how fast does creeping thyme grow" is consistent, some varieties stand out for their growth habits and colours. For example, Thymus praecox Coccineus (Red Creeping Thyme) and Thymus praecox Albiflorus (White Creeping Thyme) are both fast-spreading, forming dense mats of foliage and flowers. Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet) offers similar vigour with a glossy texture and masses of tiny purple blooms.

If you’re after silvery green hues, Thymus lanuginosus (Woolly Thyme) grows a touch slower than its flowering relatives but brings gorgeous soft texture. For those seeking a classic look, Thymus Emerald Carpet (Thyme Emerald Carpet) combines steady, moderate spread with brilliant evergreen appeal.

Tips for Maximising Creeping Thyme Growth

To ensure your creeping thyme grows as quickly and densely as possible, follow a few basic guidelines:

How Soon Can You Expect a Thyme Lawn?

If you’re planting creeping thyme to replace a conventional lawn, plan for full coverage within the first growing season if you plant densely. Allow at least 12 months for sparser plantings or if establishing in less ideal conditions.

To get started, consider popular choices such as Thymus praecox Albiflorus (White Creeping Thyme), Thymus praecox Coccineus (Red Creeping Thyme), and Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet).

Creeping thyme not only grows quickly but brings beauty, fragrance, and resilience to your outdoor spaces—and knowing the answer to "how fast does creeping thyme grow" makes it easier to plan your perfect low-maintenance garden.

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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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Rhododendron 'Black Magic' and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily), but you might just fall in love with Pseudopanax 'Gold Finger', Apricot 'Sundrop', and Strelitzia nicolai.
–The Plant Company

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