Product Description
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' (3.5-inch pot)
Common names: Elfin Thyme, dwarf thyme, creeping thyme
- Height: 1-2 Inches
- Spread: 12-18 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Evergreen ornamental herb
- Tolerates light foot traffic
- Cascades Over Walls
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin', commonly known as Elfin thyme, is a dwarf variety of creeping thyme that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to the common thyme. The name "Elfin" refers to the plant's small size.
Elfin thyme grows to a height of only 1-2 inches and spreads to a width of 12-18 inches. An evergreen herb, leaves are small and gray-green in color. The flowers are small and purple-pink and appear in summer.
Elfin thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established Elfin is drought-tolerant and does not require much care. Performs best with average water and well-drained soil - even rocky, sandy, poor soil. Will cascade over walls and grow well between stones.
Easy to grow and tolerate foot traffic for Elfin thyme is a popular choice for groundcover, in borders, rock gardens and between steppingstones.
- Water regularly during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back the flowers to encourage growth.
- Divide every 3-4 years to keep the plant healthy.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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Product Reviews
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Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'
Great plants, healthy and were packed very carefully. After receiving our 1st order of 25 plants, we ordered 75 more!
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Beautiful, healthy plants
This was the 2nd of 2 identical orders. While the first order's plant weren't completely filled out, all of the plants in the 2nd order looked great and transplanted well.
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Doesn't Disappoint
Have purchased the elfin thyme two years in a row and i'm slowly filling in our stone path walkway. It's always packaged so well and the plants are extremely dense and healthy. Have been thoroughly pleased!
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Elfin Thyme
I preordered these plants prior to spring shipping began. Bloomin Design kept me informed by email the expected shipping information. The plants were received very well packaged and in great shape. The plants are very healthy and full.
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Very healthy
received all plants in the mail. Very healthy and still moist. Have them in the ground after 2 days and they look great!
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Strong, healthy plants!
I received my order and was so impressed with the quality and size of the Thyme that was shipped. All plants were full and healthy. Thank you!
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Good Quality, Good Service
I have been filling my walkway with Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' from Bloomin Designs for the past two years and I must say that the quality of the plants I received was good to excellent. The service was even more impressive given the fact that when I did receive some plants closer to the war months of the year, they were replaced with no fuss. I would recommend Bloomin Designs to anyone seeking healthy plants and great costumer service.
