Thymus serpyllum is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial valued for its aromatic foliage and vibrant summer flowers. Native to the UK and commonly known as Creeping Thyme or Breckland Wild Thyme, it creates a dense carpet of small, dark green leaves that release a pleasant fragrance when brushed or walked upon.
From early to mid-summer, clusters of pink to purple flowers cover the foliage, providing an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators. Its spreading habit makes it particularly well suited to rockeries, gravel gardens, dry banks, green roofs, and as a flowering groundcover between paving stones.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Thymus serpyllum is drought-tolerant once established and performs well in poor, sandy or stony conditions. It is low-maintenance, resilient, and ideal for naturalistic or wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
Key Features:
- Low-growing, spreading groundcover
- Aromatic evergreen foliage
- Pink to purple summer flowers
- Attractive to bees and pollinators
- Ideal for rockeries, paving gaps, and dry gardens
- Fully hardy in the UK
A versatile and wildlife-friendly perennial, Thymus serpyllum provides colour, fragrance, and reliable groundcover in sunny, well-drained garden settings.
Thymus Serpyllum (Creeping Thyme/Breckland Wild Thyme)
Plant Factfile
Height 5-10cm
Spread 30-45cm (can spread further over time in suitable conditions) Soil Well-drained, light soil; thrives in sandy, gravelly or stony soils; dislikes waterlogging Flowers Small pink to purple flowers in dense clusters; June to August Position Full sun Hardiness H7 – Hardy in the severest European continental climates (fully hardy throughout the UK) What you’re buying
Plant images are used for illustrative purposes only, so you know what your plant will look like once fully grown.
You’re purchasing your chosen size of plug plant (by selecting “Plant Size” option above).
Mini Plugs: Each plug is approximately 15mm sq, containing tender young seedlings in need of pricking out and potting on to grow before being planted out.
Midi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 20mm sq, plants are a little more mature than the mini's, can sometimes be planted out if the weather is good and the last frost has passed.
Maxi Plugs: Each plug is approximately 30mm sq, plants are more mature, sometimes over a year old, which can mean well developed root systems and/or fewer leaves due to winter dormancy or cutting back. Generally hardened off and garden ready, though for best results good weather is preferred for planting out.
Full information about plant sizes, including pictures, can be found here.
Delivery & Dispatch
Delivery Costs
- £3 flat rate delivery on all orders under £50
- Free delivery on orders over £50
When Orders Are Posted
Orders are normally posted on the Tuesday following your order. This helps us work efficiently and also reduces unnecessary trips and emissions. In most cases, after Tuesday posting your plants should arrive before the weekend.
Packaging & Plant Care During Transit
Our plugs are gently squeezed and carefully packed into breathable, unsealed plastic bags. The plants are then packed into recycled cardboard packaging wherever possible.