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types of creeping thyme

Creeping thyme is one of the most versatile and low-maintenance ground covers you can plant in the garden. Ideal for pathways, borders, or as a living mulch, it combines beautiful blooms with aromatic foliage and remarkable resilience. If you’re searching for the best types of creeping thyme for your New Zealand garden, you’ll find a variety of choices offering different colours, textures, and growth habits. Understanding the unique qualities of each variety will help you select the perfect option for your landscape.

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.

From $11.95

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.

From $11.95

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
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
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 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...

From$20.63
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
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
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
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
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$22.01
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$16.95
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
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Mozart' shrubs in a border garden covered in blue flowers.
Rosmarinus 'Mozart'

Rosmarinus 'Mozart' is a highly aromatic rosemary variety admired for its compact growth habit and striking blue mauve flowers that appear throughout...

From$22.01
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.77
Rosmarinus officinalis 'Alba' shrub with fresh-green foliage adorned with small, white flowers.
Rosmarinus officinalis alba (White Rosemary)

Rosmarinus officinalis 'Alba' is an elegant white flowering rosemary admired for its pure blooms and strongly aromatic evergreen foliage. It offers...

From$22.01
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
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
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Vegetable Fertiliser (Vegetable Fertiliser)

Vegetable plants respond exceptionally well to The Plant Company’s vegetable fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much...

From$16.95
An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.
Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

From$26.95
Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.
Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$181.05
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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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
ignite-herbicide-1
Ignite Herbicide

Ignite is a selective herbicide used to control foreign grasses in a Fine Fescue lawn. It is not to be used on Tall Fescue or any other lawn types...

From$329.37
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
The best Citrus fertiliser in NZ
Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and...

From$16.95
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Rose Fertiliser

Roses respond exceptionally well to rose fertiliser with better quality flowers and foliage, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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 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-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
Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus' as a ground cover plant with masses of red flowers.
Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus'

Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus' is a beautiful creeping thyme valued for its dense evergreen foliage and masses of vibrant crimson pink flowers. This...

OUT OF STOCK
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 - Herbicides, Grass Seed, and Groundcover Plants.

Search types of creeping thyme

Popular Types of Creeping Thyme

A number of well-loved thyme cultivars thrive as groundcovers and accent plants. Here are some of the top types of creeping thyme to consider:

Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet)

Thymus Ruby Carpet (Creeping Thyme Ruby Carpet) lives up to its name with a carpet of dense, deep pink blossoms that create a breathtaking summer display. Its mat-forming habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for rocky outcrops, paving cracks, or sunny borders.

Thymus praecox Coccineus (Red Creeping Thyme)

With vibrant magenta flowers, Thymus praecox Coccineus (Red Creeping Thyme) is a standout among creeping thyme varieties. This sturdy groundcover forms a thick mat of green foliage that turns a lovely bronze in autumn. It’s especially beneficial for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Thymus praecox Albiflorus

Known for its delicate white blooms and aromatic leaves, Thymus praecox Albiflorus brightens up garden paths and rockeries. This variety’s prostrate form makes it great for covering slopes or filling gaps between stepping stones, while its flowers add an airy charm to any space.

Thymus lanuginosus (Woolly Thyme)

For soft texture and subtle colour, Thymus lanuginosus (Woolly Thyme) is a favourite among New Zealand gardeners. Its silver-grey, fuzzy leaves create a silken carpet that is both visually striking and pleasantly tactile, perfect for edging or as a living mulch beneath shrubs.

Thymus Silver Carpet (Thyme Silver Carpet)

Thymus Silver Carpet (Thyme Silver Carpet ) offers silvery-green foliage that forms a dense mat, providing year-round interest even when not in bloom. Its subtle, pale lavender flowers and compact growth are ideal for modern designs and contemporary containers.

Planting and Caring for Creeping Thymes

All types of creeping thyme thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, they require very little water or maintenance. Choose varieties that suit your microclimate, keeping in mind differences in flower colour, leaf texture, and growth habit. Many gardeners enjoy mixing several types of creeping thyme for a tapestry effect, combining different contrasts and blooms.

Whether you are designing a fragrant walkway, bringing colour into gaps, or suppressing weeds naturally, exploring the many types of creeping thyme available will elevate your garden’s beauty and functionality. Discover your new favourite variety and enjoy the benefits all year round.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
It’s easy to fall for Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi', but Pittosporum 'Midget' (Dwarf Pittosporum), Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant), and Nashi 'Nijisseiki' offer a different kind of delight.
–The Plant Company

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