Product Description
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' (18)ct Flat
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' is a delightful miniature thyme variety known for its compact size, delicate foliage, and profusion of tiny pink flowers. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, troughs, and other small-scale plantings where its diminutive charm can be appreciated.
- Foliage: It forms a dense mat of tiny, rounded, dark green leaves that have a subtle, minty fragrance when crushed. The foliage remains evergreen in mild climates.
- Flowers: In late spring to early summer, it produces masses of tiny, lavender-pink flowers that cover the foliage, creating a carpet of color. The flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Growth Habit: It is a low-growing, creeping perennial that typically reaches only 1-3 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. It roots along the stems, making it an excellent groundcover for small areas.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and conditions.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is very low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: It thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: It prefers well-drained soil and tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils. It dislikes wet or poorly drained conditions.
- Moisture: It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers dry to medium moisture levels.
Uses in the Landscape:
- Rock Gardens: Its small scale makes it perfect for tucking into crevices and pockets in rock gardens.
- Troughs and Miniature Gardens: It is ideal for miniature gardens and troughs where its diminutive size is proportionate to other elements.
- Pathways and Stepping Stones: It can be planted between stepping stones or pavers to add color, fragrance, and a soft texture underfoot.
- Walls and Edges: It can spill over walls or edges, creating a delicate, draping effect.
- Containers: It can be used in containers as a spiller or filler, adding texture and fragrance.
Additional Tips:
- Pruning: It can be lightly pruned or sheared after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth.
- Foot Traffic: It tolerates light foot traffic, making it suitable for pathways or areas where occasional stepping occurs.
- Fragrance: The foliage releases a light, minty fragrance when crushed.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: It is generally deer and rabbit resistant.
Overall, Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' is a charming and versatile miniature thyme that adds delicate beauty and fragrance to the garden. Its compact size, attractive flowers, and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite for gardeners seeking a small-scale groundcover that thrives in sunny, well-drained conditions.
Eighteen (18) plants in 3.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
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
6 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Wonderful
These arrived in excellent condition and are thriving
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Always Good Quality
As always, the Elfin Thyme I ordered was healthy, green, and robust. I've ordered Thyme for the past four years and each order has been delived in perfect condition. I will continue to be a regular customer. I've been very pleased
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Just As Good As Last Years Thyme
I've been buying 'Elfyn Thyme' from Bloomin Designs for two years now, and I have never been disappointed. Purchase is easy, delivery is prompt and in tact, and correspondence for support has been of the best. I look forward to using Bloomin Designs for many of my future plant purchases.
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Just As Good As Last Years Thyme
I've been buying 'Elfyn Thyme' from Bloomin Designs for two years now, and I have never been disappointed. Purchase is easy, delivery is prompt and in tact, and correspondence for support has been of the best. I look forward to using Bloomin Designs for many of my future plant purchases.
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Just As Good As Last Years Thyme
I've been buying 'Elfyn Thyme' from Bloomin Designs for two years now, and I have never been disappointed. Purchase is easy, delivery is prompt and in tact, and correspondence for support has been of the best. I look forward to using Bloomin Designs for many of my future plant purchases.
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Beautiful plants...
arrived in perfect condition. Hoping this will fill in-between our stepping stones to create a lush, low carpet.
