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How to Grow Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox)

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Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox)

Thymus serpyllum & Phlox subulata

herb/flower

Ground covers are low-growing, spreading plants that create dense mats of foliage to suppress weeds and add visual interest to gardens. Creeping thyme and creeping phlox are popular choices, offering fragrant foliage, colorful flowers, and excellent drought tolerance once established.

Looking for a specific variety?

Elfin Coccineus Magic Carpet Creeping Red Woolly Thyme Subcarnosus

When should you plant Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox) in your zone?

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Example Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox) blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ground Covers (Creeping Thyme & Phlox) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (tolerates partial shade but flowers better in full sun)
💧
Water: Low to moderate water needs once established; water weekly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Drought-tolerant thereafter; water during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which causes root rot.
📏
Spacing: 6-12 inches apart depending on variety and how quickly coverage is desired inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90 days for rooted transplants to establish; full ground coverage in 1-2 growing seasons
🌱
Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery container; do not bury crown of plant

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil; avoid heavy clay
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for organic matter Gravel or stone chips for alpine varieties

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Creeping thyme thrives in zones 3-9; creeping phlox performs best in zones 2-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young transplants with limited root systems and sparse foliage; plants appear small relative to spacing

Water consistently to keep soil moist (not soggy); mulch lightly around plants to retain moisture; remove weeds frequently as plants fill in. Avoid fertilizing with high-nitrogen products.

2

Vegetative Growth

8-16 weeks

Plants develop more stems and foliage; spreading runners begin filling in gaps; visible lateral growth along ground

Continue watering during dry spells; reduce watering frequency as plants mature. Thin or prune excessively vigorous growth to maintain shape. Weed as needed.

3

Flowering

4-8 weeks (spring/early summer)

Dense mats of foliage covered with small flowers; creeping thyme displays tiny pink, purple, or white blooms; creeping phlox shows larger flowers in pink, red, purple, or white

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce deadheading in late season to allow seed set. Water less frequently as plants are now drought-resistant.

4

Maturity & Spread

Ongoing

Full ground coverage achieved; dense, weed-suppressing mat 2-6 inches tall; occasional new growth continues

Water only during extended drought. Shear or mow lightly after bloom to maintain compact form and encourage branching. Apply thin compost layer yearly in fall. Monitor for pest or disease issues.

5

Winter Dormancy

3-4 months

Foliage persists but growth slows; evergreen varieties maintain color; deciduous types fade or disappear

No watering needed unless soil is bone-dry. Avoid fertilizing. Ensure good drainage to prevent winter rot. In harsh climates, protect with light mulch layer.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Sedums and succulents Russian sage Catmint Lavender Alliums Lamb's ear Salvia Dianthus

Avoid planting near:

Moisture-loving plants (hostas, ferns, astilbe) Tall shade-producing plants that block sunlight Aggressive spreading plants (some mints, bindweed) Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

  • Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe

  • Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects

  • and

    Remove by hand; use copper tape barriers; reduce mulch depth to limit hiding spots; beer traps

  • Improve air circulation; remove affected foliage; spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate; avoid wetting foliage

  • Improve drainage with sand or gravel amendment; reduce watering frequency; remove severely affected plants

Uses

🍳

Thyme culinary herb

Culinary

Creeping thyme leaves add aromatic flavor to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and meats. Fresh or dried leaves can be used in teas, seasonings, and herbal blends. [source]

💊

Thymol for respiratory health

Medicinal

Thyme contains thymol, a compound with antimicrobial and expectorant properties traditionally used to soothe coughs and support respiratory function. Steep fresh leaves in hot water for herbal tea. [source]

🏠

Natural ground cover weed suppression

Household

Dense ground covers naturally suppress weeds by shading soil and outcompeting weed seeds, reducing the need for herbicides and hand-weeding. Saves time and reduces garden maintenance labor. [source]

🦋

Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

Flowering ground covers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with abundant small flowers. Also provide nectar and habitat for beneficial insects that control garden pests. [source]

🎨

Fragrant dried arrangements and potpourri

Craft

Dried thyme stems and foliage retain aromatic oils and can be used in dried arrangements, sachets, and potpourri. Phlox flowers dry beautifully for pressed flower crafts. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For creeping thyme: harvest leaves anytime during growing season by pinching tips or lightly shearing; best flavor in morning after dew dries. Harvest 1/3 of plant at a time. Flowers and leaves are both edible and medicinal. For creeping phlox: cut flowers with stem for arrangements; deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Creeping thyme has been used for over 2,000 years in Mediterranean cuisine and traditional medicine; the ancient Greeks valued it for its antimicrobial properties and burned it as incense.
  • 🌱 Creeping phlox blooms simultaneously en masse, creating stunning carpets of color so dense they can completely hide soil, earning the nickname 'moss phlox' in some regions.
  • 🌱 Ground covers can reduce soil erosion on slopes by up to 80% compared to bare soil, stabilizing hillsides while adding beauty and wildlife habitat.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Compost Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade pH Runner Transplant
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