How to Grow Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus'
Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus'
Thymus serpyllum 'Coccineus'
herbCreeping Thyme 'Coccineus' is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial herb prized for its vibrant scarlet-red flowers and aromatic foliage. This cultivar is a groundcover that spreads horizontally, creating dense carpets of small leaves that release a pleasant minty fragrance when brushed. It's hardy, evergreen, and attracts pollinators while serving culinary and ornamental purposes.
When should you plant Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus' in your zone?
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Example Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Creeping Thyme 'Coccineus' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Establishment
2-4 weeksTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge; slow initial growth; very delicate foliage
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early. Protect from wind.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops trailing stems and small, narrow green leaves arranged in opposite pairs; foliage becomes denser and more fragrant
Reduce watering frequency. Pinch stems to encourage bushier, more compact growth. Weed competing plants. Once established, minimal fertilizer needed.
Budding & Flowering
4-6 weeks per flush (may reflower with deadheading)Flower buds form at stem tips; bright scarlet-red (coccineus) flowers appear in dense clusters (whorls); plant becomes ornamental focal point
Ensure full sun to maximize flower color intensity. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid vegetative overgrowth at expense of flowers.
Peak Maturity & Spreading
Ongoing (perennial)Dense mat of aromatic foliage covers ground; continuous or repeat flowering; plant spreads via creeping stems rooting at nodes
Minimal intervention needed. Shear lightly after flowering to maintain tidiness and shape. Improve air circulation in humid climates. Little fertilizer required.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use horticultural oil if severe. Improve air circulation to prevent infestations.
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Yellow sticky traps, strong water spray, insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation in outdoor settings.
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Increase air flow, avoid overhead watering, remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur or neem oil if persistent. Plant in full sun.
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Ensure well-draining soil, do not overwater, improve drainage with sand/gravel amendment. Remove affected plants immediately.
Uses
Cooking & Seasoning
CulinaryCreeping Thyme 'Coccineus' leaves flavor soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and meats with a subtle minty-herbal taste. The scarlet flowers are edible garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails, adding visual appeal and delicate flavor. [source]
Herbal Infusions & Wellness
MedicinalFresh or dried leaves make a soothing herbal tea traditionally used to support respiratory health and calm digestion. Thyme contains thymol, a compound with antimicrobial properties valued in traditional herbalism. [source]
Ornamental Groundcover & Garden Design
CraftThe striking scarlet flowers and creeping growth habit make this cultivar exceptional for rock gardens, alpine troughs, pathways, and sunny borders. Its low profile and dense foliage suppress weeds while creating dramatic seasonal color. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
HouseholdDried flowers retain their vibrant color and are prized for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. The aromatic dried leaves add fragrance to sachets and herbal blends. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant scarlet flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for supporting beneficial insects in gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves and flowers anytime during growing season by pinching or cutting stems; most flavorful before flowers fully open. Harvest in morning after dew dries. Flowers are edible and can be used fresh or dried. For drying, cut stems in late morning and hang upside-down in a warm, dry, airy location for 1-2 weeks. Strip leaves from stems when completely dry and store in airtight container. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Coccineus' refers to the brilliant scarlet-red flower color (Latin: coccineus = scarlet). This cultivar is sometimes called 'Scarlet Thyme' and is more ornamental than the species due to its floral display.
- 🌱 Creeping Thyme has been used in European folk medicine for over 2,000 years and was historically used as a symbol of courage in Medieval times—knights would wear sprigs of thyme before battle.
- 🌱 Despite being called a groundcover, Creeping Thyme rarely exceeds 2-4 inches in height but can spread to 12 inches or more wide, making it ideal for living pathways that release fragrance when stepped upon.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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