Wild creeping thyme is an evergreen perennial plant with bushy and low growth. Wild creeping thyme is also known as little thyme. Wild creeping thyme is a member of the Lipflower family (Lamiaceae) just like: Stone thyme, Creeping thyme, Large thyme, Thyme, Summer thyme, Hemp Nettle, Hyssop, Mint, Basil, Catmint, Marjoram, Oregano, Savory, Sage, Greater Glory, Lavender, Dove nettle, Rosemary, Amander and Lemon balm. These are generally herbs that all contain a certain amount of aromatic oils. Wild creeping thyme blooms with pink, purple to lilac-pink flowers. The leaves are small round and dark green. Both the flowers and the leaves are very flavourful and wonderfully fragrant. The small-growing plants spread easily and are therefore very suitable as wonderfully fragrant ground cover. Wild creeping thyme can also be used in the kitchen. Use the leaves of this thyme in sauces, stews, stir-fries, pasta dishes, soups, marinades, salads, potato dishes, dishes with egg (e.g. omelette) and in herb butter. Wild creeping thyme is also delicious with lamb, beef and with cheese.
Wild creeping thyme is native to the mountains of Europe. It is also very common in the Netherlands. It is known to our country as a highly endangered species and is thus also on the red list. It is a rock garden plant that grows well on very poor, dry and stony soil. The plant needs a very sunny and sheltered spot. It can also be kept very well between tiles, grit, gravel, in joints in the wall and between stacking walls and on stony soil. Wild creeping thyme can also be used very well to be planted between tiles and between grit. Allow this plant to dry out very well before watering. This very hardy perennial can tolerate a temperature of - 25 ºC. Wild creeping thyme does very well planted in small groups or alone. It combines well with e.g: Stone carnation, Yellow Walstraw, Grass Clover, Field Sage, English Grass, Splendid Carnation, Rough Plantain, Wild Marjoram and Beaver's Beetle. Place this plant in a sunny spot with good drainage and possibly calcareous soil. This ground cover is very attractive to bees. Also suitable for rock gardens. Protect young plants especially well against frost by mulching them. Harvest the leaves from March to October from the 2nd year after sowing. This plant is much loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Wild creeping thyme flowers from June to September. Planting advice per square meter: 8 - 11 plants. Hardy perennial. Height: 3 - 5 cm.
