Thymus P. ‘Purple Carpet’ 3"

Latin Name: Thymus praecox 'Purple Carpet' (also sold under Thymus serpyllum)

Common Name: Purple Carpet Creeping Thyme

Zones: 4–8 (sometimes listed 3–9)

Height & Spread: 2–4 inches tall, spreading 12–18 inches wide

Descriptive Features: A low, mat-forming, aromatic groundcover valued for its ability to knit tightly into a dense, weed-suppressing carpet that tolerates light foot traffic, making it a favorite for filling joints between pavers and stepping stones. Tiny, elliptical, evergreen to semi-evergreen dark green leaves release a pleasant, herbal thyme fragrance when brushed or stepped on. In early to midsummer, the entire mat is smothered in a profusion of tiny, tubular, rich reddish-purple to magenta flowers, creating a vivid carpet of color and drawing bees and other pollinators in large numbers. Extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in poor, lean, rocky, or sandy soils with sharp drainage — struggles and can rot in overly rich or consistently wet conditions. Deer- and rabbit-resistant, low-maintenance, and long-lived once established, needing only a light shearing after bloom to keep it tidy and encourage denser regrowth. An excellent choice for rock gardens, pathway edging, filling between pavers, slopes, or as a fragrant, colorful lawn alternative in full sun.