Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

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. Naturally tough, it thrives in exposed and coastal conditions, making it ideal for low maintenance gardens, banks, and rockeries. Creeping Coprosma is both practical and attractive in NZ landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 2.00 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
Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig) growing on a stone wall with colourful foliage.

Ficus pumila

5 from 3 customers

Ficus pumila, commonly known as Creeping Fig or Climbing Ficus, is a vigorous, evergreen climber popular in New Zealand for covering walls, fences, and trellises. It features small, heart-shaped juvenile leaves that mature into larger, leathery foliage. Fast-growing and self-clinging, it can create dense, green coverage in sun or partial shade. Preferring well-drained soil and regular moisture, it thrives in sheltered sites and requires pruning to manage growth. Ideal for decorative and functional vertical greening.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Climbers
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Arches, Living areas, Screening, Walls
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
victory-gold-herbicide-
Victory Gold - 1 Litre

Victory Gold is an herbicide used to control many types of broadleaf weeds in lawns. Susceptible weeds include: cape daisy, catsear, chickweed...

From$186.48
potting-media-
Nursery Grade Growing Media

The Plant Company growing media is top of the line and used by the best commercial nurseries. This blend has been developed over many years to...

From$29.75
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...

From$17.95
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$16.95
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...

From$18.63
parthenocissus-veitchii-
Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii'

Parthenocissus tricuspidata 'Veitchii', commonly known as Boston Ivy, is a vigorous deciduous climber admired for its glossy green foliage that...

From$30.29
Dolichandra unguis cati climbing vine with green foliage and yellow flowers.
Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper)

Dolichandra unguis-cati is a vigorous evergreen climber known for its bright yellow trumpet flowers and fast growing nature. It creates a bold...

From$60.65
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
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...

From$20.63
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...

From$20.01
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$22.01
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$16.95
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$48.49
pb-95-planter-bags-
PB95 Planter Bags (Growing Bags Near Me)

These PB95 planter bags are 240 microns thick and each bag holds 50 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$230.50
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
pb-65-planter-bags-
PB6.5 Planter Bags (Grow Bags On Line)

These PB6.5 planter bags are 100 microns thick and hold 3.6 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$44.86
Rosmarinus prostrata trailing over a bank.
Rosmarinus prostratus (Creeping Rosemary)

Rosmarinus prostratus, commonly called Prostrate Rosemary, is a hardy, low-growing shrub with aromatic green foliage and masses of blue flowers from...

From$20.63
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
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Growing Bag)

These PB28 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 12 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$130.50
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
pb-12-planter-bags-
PB12 Planter Bags (Grow Bags For Plants)

These PB12 planter bags are 125 microns thick and hold 6.75 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$57.76
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...

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...

From$20.01
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Garden Grow Bags)

These PB60 planter bags are 150 microns thick and each bag holds 36 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$169.50
fuscospora-cliffortioides-4
Fuscospora cliffortioides (Mountain Beech)

Commonly known as Mountain Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely...

From$270.40
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
pb-3-planter-bags-1
PB3 Planter Bags (Grow Bags Online)

These PB3 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1.8 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$29.08
35-litre-planter-bags-4
35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$8.93
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
castanea-1005--1
Castanea sativa 1005 (Chestnut)

“1005” is a popular variety of Chestnut owing to its heavy yields of tasty nuts. Showy clusters of cream-green flowers in spring result in tasty nuts...

From$383.29
Coprosma kirkii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, Dolichandra, and Ficus, or related Categories - Growing media, Herbicides, and Deciduous Climbers.

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.


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.

Everyone knows classic varieties like Ficus pumila and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight', but you might just fall in love with Parahebe 'Snowcap', Grevillea 'Fireworks', and Tabebuia rosea.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews