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Thymus praecox 'Purple Carpet'
Thymus praecox 'Purple Carpet'

Thymus praecox 'Purple Carpet'

$11.95

Thymus praecox 'Purple Carpet' is a low growing aromatic groundcover prized for its dense mat forming habit and vibrant purple pink blooms. This thyme variety releases a pleasant herbal fragrance when stepped on making it ideal between stepping stones, rock walls, or dry borders. Its evergreen foliage persists through mild winters and suppresses weeds effectively with minimal maintenance.

Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 12 - 18 in

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Light Requirements: Full sun

Soil Preference: Well drained, sandy or rocky soil

Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: Avoided by deer due to aromatic oils in the leaves

Native Status

Thymus praecox is native to Europe and has naturalized in parts of North America. It is not a North American native species, but is widely used in ornamental and xeric plantings.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Bees

  • Abundant small blooms attract native sweat bees, bumblebees, and honeybees that forage during late spring to summer.

Butterflies

  • Draws small butterflies such as Pearl Crescents and Spring Azures seeking nectar in sunny open spaces.

Beneficial Insects

  • Supports hoverflies, lacewings, and predatory wasps that aid in garden pest control through pollination and larval predation.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations:

  • Space 12 - 18 in apart for effective ground coverage and interlocking mats in sun drenched garden zones.

Landscape Placement:

  • Use in rock gardens, along pathways, or in xeriscaped beds as a flowering groundcover that can tolerate foot traffic and dry conditions.

Companion Plants

  • Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara Daisy) - Daisy like white and pink blooms mingle above the creeping thyme for a meadow like display.
  • Veronica prostrata (Prostrate Speedwell) - Low spreading blue blooms mix with the thyme’s mat forming habit for ground level variety.
  • Lavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' - Compact lavender offers similar sun and soil preferences with matching aroma and bloom season.
  • Achillea millefolium 'Paprika' - Bright red flat topped blooms enhance the purple carpet effect and attract shared pollinators.
  • Salvia nemorosa 'Blue Hill' - Upright spikes contrast with thyme’s flat growth sharing color harmony and pollinator support.

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