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purple carpet creeping thyme

Purple carpet creeping thyme is a stunning, low-growing perennial ideal for creating vibrant, fragrant groundcover in New Zealand gardens. Renowned for its dense mat of tiny green leaves and masses of petite purple flowers in late spring and summer, this thyme variety is as versatile as it is beautiful. Known scientifically as Thymus serpyllum, purple carpet creeping thyme thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soils and minimal maintenance. It's a favourite for planting between stepping stones, as an edging for pathways, or for adding colour to rock gardens and borders.

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
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Sedum 'Green Blob' with lush, green foliage growing in a pot.
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Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
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Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

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Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' plants with red flowers above lush, green foliage.
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Rose 'Flower Carpet Scarlet' is a low growing ground cover rose that produces a bold display of scarlet red flowers over a long season. Its spreading...

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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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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose 'Flower Carpet Gold' is a low growing ground cover rose that delivers a bright display of golden yellow blooms across a long flowering season...

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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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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...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' stunning pink flowers.
Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose 'Flower Carpet Pink' is a low growing ground cover rose loved for its masses of clear pink flowers, spreading habit, and dependable garden...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' plant with masses of red flowers growing in a pot on a patio.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Mini Cherry' is a compact ground cover rose valued for its masses of vibrant cherry red flowers and exceptional disease...

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thymus-ruby-carpet--4
Thymus 'Ruby Carpet' (Creeping Thyme)

Thymus 'Ruby Carpet' is a stunning creeping thyme valued for its dense evergreen foliage and masses of rich ruby pink flowers. This low growing...

OUT OF STOCK
Thymus nummularius plant with pink flowers.
Thymus nummularius (Pizza Thyme)

Thymus nummularius is a low growing evergreen thyme valued for its dense aromatic foliage and excellent groundcover qualities. This hardy perennial...

OUT OF STOCK
thymus-lanuginosus-
Thymus lanuginosus (Woolly Thyme)

Thymus lanuginosus, commonly known as Woolly Thyme, is a unique creeping thyme valued for its soft grey green foliage that creates a dense carpet...

OUT OF STOCK
Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' plant covered in purple flowers.
Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' (Purple Rock Cress)

Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' is a beautiful low growing perennial that produces masses of vivid purple flowers in early spring. The colourful blooms...

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Thymus 'Silver Carpet'

Thymus 'Silver Carpet' is an attractive creeping thyme valued for its dense silver grey foliage and excellent groundcover qualities. This low growing...

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Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch' pink flowers above dark green foliage with a purple overtone.
Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch'

Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch' is a striking ground cover that lights up shaded NZ gardens with its rich purple flower spikes and deep green foliage...

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Delosperma 'Earlybird Purple' stunning purple flowers.
Delosperma 'Earlybird Purple'

Delosperma 'Earlybird Purple' is a vibrant, low growing succulent valued for its purple daisy like flowers and drought tolerant habit. The bright...

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Abies koreana 'Green Carpet'

Abies koreana 'Green Carpet' is a distinctive dwarf Korean Fir prized for its low spreading habit and lush green needles that create a dense...

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Mangave 'Purple People Eater' plant with purple leaves.
Mangave Purple People Eater

Mangave Purple People Eater is an impressive succulent that features a rosette of thick, purple leaves with a blue-green undertone. They are leathery...

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thymus-pulegioides-2
Thymus pulegioides (Large Wild Thyme)

Thymus pulegioides is a hardy evergreen thyme valued for its aromatic foliage, attractive flowers, and versatility in the garden. This low growing...

OUT OF STOCK
Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' growing as a groundcover with red flowers.
Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' (Red Creeping Thyme)

Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' is a popular creeping thyme valued for its dense mat of aromatic foliage and masses of vibrant crimson pink flowers. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus' plants with white flowers.
Thymus praecox 'Albiflorus'

Thymus praecox albiflorus (White Creeping Thyme) is a low growing evergreen herb valued for its dense mat forming habit and masses of small white...

OUT OF STOCK
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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Thymus 'Emerald Carpet'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Coprosma, and Dodonaea, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, Herbs, and Indoor Plants.

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Why Choose Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme?

Few groundcover plants rival purple carpet creeping thyme for both visual impact and practicality. This thyme creates a living carpet, smothering weeds and reducing the need for mulching or mowing. Its aromatic leaves release a delightful scent when brushed underfoot, making it perfect for high-traffic garden paths. In summer, your garden will come alive with pollinators, as bees and butterflies flock to the nectar-rich flowers.

Planting and Care Guide

Establishing your purple carpet creeping thyme is simple and rewarding. Select a sunny location with free-draining soil. Loosen the soil, amend with organic matter if needed, and space plants about 20 centimetres apart to allow room for spreading. Water well until established, then let nature take over—thyme is remarkably drought-hardy and requires little ongoing care. Simply trim back after flowering to maintain its tidy, low-growing shape.

Creative Uses for Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme

Purple carpet creeping thyme isn’t just for borders. Try weaving it between pavers or stone paths for a soft, colourful effect that’s tough enough to handle gentle foot traffic. This creeping thyme also works brilliantly cascading over retaining walls or filling gaps in gravel gardens. For a tapestry of colour and texture, combine it with other groundcovers like Ajuga 'Jungle Beauty' or Acaena purpurea (Piripiri).

Varieties to Enhance Your Groundcover Palette

If you love purple carpet creeping thyme, explore other thyme varieties to add diversity to your garden. Thymus nummularius (Pizza Thyme) offers a savoury fragrance and low growth, perfect for sunny beds and borders. Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet) provides striking ruby-pink blooms, while Thymus Emerald Carpet (Thyme Emerald Carpet) showcases bright emerald foliage for year-round interest.

Shop Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme in New Zealand

Bring vibrant colour, fragrance, and pollinator appeal to your outdoor spaces with purple carpet creeping thyme. Whether you’re filling in gaps or creating a lush, flower-filled pathway, this thyme promises year-round charm with minimum effort. Browse our selection and discover how easily you can transform your garden with the enduring beauty of purple carpet creeping thyme.


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Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily' and Lomandra Lime Tuff have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Camellia With Love, Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', and Sophora fulvida.
–The Plant Company

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