How to Plant and Care for Red Creeping Thyme

Red creeping thyme is a low-growing perennial herb that forms dense, fragrant mats of foliage topped with tiny, crimson or pink flowers in early to midsummer.

• It’s drought-tolerant & low maintenance: Once established, thyme is much less thirsty than grass and doesn’t need regular mowing. Translation: Not only will you cut down on your water usage (always a good thing!), but you can put the time you would have spent on lawn care toward more enjoyable summer activities.
• It creates a pollinator’s paradise: Bees love the blooms that pop up on creeping thyme, which can help support your local ecosystem. ‘One of the great benefits of creeping thyme is its value as a food source for pollinators and beneficial insects,’ says Krystal. ‘The beauty of the flowers is a sight to behold, and you know that means the bees are having a feast.’
• It’s soft underfoot: Unlike some other ground covers, creeping thyme can handle light foot traffic and feels soft on bare feet, like walking on a garden cloud.
• It offers year-round appeal: Creeping thyme will stay green throughout the year in many climates, helping to prolong your garden’s beauty far beyond its typical seasonality. Bonus: Even when dormant, its texture is more interesting than dead, brown grass.

MORE GARDEN IDEAS

Before you let thyme take over your lawn, there are a few key care requirements you need to consider.

It needs the right conditions

Red creeping thyme thrives in these conditions:

• Full sun (6+ hours a day)
• Well-draining soil (soggy spots are a no-go)

If your garden is shady, clay-heavy, or regularly gets swampy, thyme may struggle — or fail entirely. ‘It’s not ideal for wet or fully shaded locations,’ says Krystal. ‘Other than that, I recommend it to everyone to put it anywhere they can.’

It doesn’t like to be overwatered

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb, which means it’s used to dry conditions – water it deeply but infrequently once it’s established.

It’s not an overnight makeover

It can take a full growing season (or two) for thyme to fully fill in and create that seamless, tufted carpet look. During that time, you may see bare patches, weeds, or uneven growth. But don’t panic; patience is part of the process. ‘I have seen full acres of just creeping thyme, and it was the most magical lawn I have ever experienced. It takes time, but it’s worth the wait,’ Krystal adds.

It can handle foot traffic… to a point

Yes, you can walk on it — but daily foot traffic (especially from kids or pets) can wear it down. It’s best used in low-traffic areas or between stepping stones or pavers, where it makes a bold visual impact.

The species of creeping thyme most widely available for use as a lawn is Thymus serpyllum. Look out for Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’ for a red creeping thyme lawn.

The short answer: yes — but plant it with care and intention. Unlike aggressive garden invaders like English ivy or bamboo, red creeping thyme is not considered an invasive species. It spreads slowly, and usually only where it’s planted and wanted. ‘Creeping thyme is not an aggressive grower,’ says Krystal. ‘After planting, it might take a year for it to get established, but once it is, it will creep a little faster. It’s a very manageable groundcover, but also very effective.’

All that said, growing creeping thyme is still a commitment, especially if you plan to transition your whole lawn to thyme, which often means rethinking how you use your outdoor space. It’s a project — but one that can pay off with lower maintenance, less water use, and an outdoor space that feels less like a weekly chore.

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Susannah Bradley is a writer and editor with a decade of experience specializing in women’s lifestyle, travel, fitness, health, weddings, and home design content. Based in Seattle, Washington, she reports service pieces for various newspapers, magazines, and digital outlets. Her portfolio includes publications such as The Seattle Times, MSN.com, Reader’s Digest, Yahoo.com, The Healthy, US Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and more. Susannah holds a BA in English and French from Indiana University Bloomington.