Thymus praecox aka Creeping Thyme
Taxonomy
Thymus praecox, commonly known as mother of thyme, is a species of thyme native to central, southern, and western Europe. It is a highly attractive, dense, and evergreen perennial that forms a mat of scented, light green foliage. In summer, it produces small, delicate, white flowers. This creeping, woody-based perennial is often used as a ground cover due to its ability to form a flat mat with tiny, rounded, fuzzy, blue-green leaves. While its culinary value is limited, Thymus praecox is a versatile and visually appealing plant.
Common names
Creeping Thyme, Red Flowering Thyme, Mother Of ThymeHow to care for Creeping Thyme
Difficulty
Creeping Thyme presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Creeping Thyme should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Creeping Thyme loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
Creeping Thyme thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Mother Of Thyme.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
No additional humidity is required for the Creeping Thyme. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Creeping Thyme is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Creeping Thyme’s native range is temperate Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Thymus Genus
Thymus praecox Creeping Thyme
Thymus pallasianus Thymus Pallasianus
Thymus vulgaris Garden Thyme
Thymus praecox britannicus Mother Of Thyme
Thymus linearis album Thymus Albus
Thymus pulegioides Large Thyme
Thymus camphoratus Camphor Thyme
Thymus quinquecostatus Japanese Thyme
Thymus citriodorus Lemon Thyme
