Elfin thyme is a compact, spreading thyme cultivar that makes an excellent groundcover in many gardens. With its petite foliage, drought tolerance, and enticing aroma, elfin thyme has a lot to offer for landscapes and containers. Here is a detailed look at this petite plant.
What is Elfin Thyme?
Elfin thyme is a cultivar of Thymus serpyllum, which is a species of creeping thyme native to Europe. The ‘Elfin’ cultivar is a dwarf form of Thymus serpyllum, meaning it has very small leaves and a compact, low-growing habit.
That is, elfin thyme only grows 1-2 inches tall but 12–18 inches wide. It has tiny, round leaves that grow in dense, cushion-like mats. When the leaves are crushed, they smell nice. In the summer, elfin thyme flowers with light purple-pink petals.
Overall elfin thyme is prized for its
- Extremely compact, low growth habit
- Excellent tolerance for foot traffic
- Tiny aromatic leaves
- Low maintenance needs
- Drought tolerance
- Dense, cushion-like habit
Growing Conditions for Elfin Thyme
Elfin thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It can handle some shade, but it will flower less as a result. This thyme grows best in average to dry soil and doesn’t need much water once it’s established. It can even grow well in sandy, poor soil as long as it drains well.
The ideal soil pH range for elfin thyme is slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.5). Elfin thyme struggles in acidic soils.
Because it comes from the Mediterranean, elfin thyme can handle drought well. It thrives in hot, sunny areas with low rainfall. Too much moisture can cause the plants to rot.
How to Use Elfin Thyme in Gardens
There are many ways to use elfin thyme in the garden because of its small size, beautiful leaves, and pleasant smell. Here are some suggestions:
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Groundcover – Elfin thyme is ideal for planting between pavers or stepping stones since it can tolerate light foot traffic.
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Rock gardens – The small size and good drainage preference makes elfin thyme perfect for the crevices and pores of rock gardens.
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Container gardens – Elfin thyme spills gracefully over container edges and combines well with other low-growing plants.
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Edging – Use elfin thyme as a tidy, aromatic edging along garden borders and pathways.
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Between pavers – Allow elfin thyme to spread in the cracks between stone pavers or bricks for an ornamental, fragrant effect.
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Fairy gardens – The tiny leaves and flowers of elfin thyme are perfectly scaled for miniature fairy gardens.
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Along walls – Underplant elfin thyme along retaining walls or foundations where it can cascade over the edges.
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Topiary – Elfin thyme can be trimmed into ornamental shapes and topiaries.
Care Tips for Elfin Thyme
Elfin thyme is one of the most low maintenance thymes available. Here are some tips for caring for it:
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Water elfin thyme only when the soil dries out. Overwatering will cause root rot.
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Cut back any damaged or unsightly growth in spring to encourage new growth.
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Shear lightly after flowering to remove spent blooms and encourage reblooming. Avoid cutting more than 30% of the foliage.
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Apply a thin layer of gravel or crushed rocks as mulch to help retain soil moisture and keep weeds down.
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Test soil pH periodically and amend with lime if needed to keep the pH ideal (6.5-7.5).
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Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring to rejuvenate growth.
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Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at half strength in early spring if plants need a nutrient boost.
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Watch for aphids, spider mites, and thrips and use organic insecticidal soap as needed. Deer and rabbits avoid this thyme.
With its petite stature, elfin thyme adds unique beauty and fragrance to gardens and containers. Give it a try in your landscape this season!
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Thymus serpyllum Elfin (10) 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, commonly known as Elfin thyme, is a dwarf variety of creeping thyme that is native to Europe and Asia. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to the common thyme. The name “Elfin” refers to the plants small size.
Elfin thyme grows to a height of only 1-2 inches and spreads to a width of 12-18 inches. An evergreen herb, leaves are small and gray-green in color. The flowers are small and purple-pink and appear in summer.
Elfin thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established Elfin is drought-tolerant and does not require much care. Performs best with average water and well-drained soil – even rocky, sandy, poor soil. Will cascade over walls and grow well between stones.
Easy to grow and tolerate foot traffic for Elfin thyme is a popular choice for groundcover, in borders, rock gardens and between steppingstones.
- Water regularly during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pinch back the flowers to encourage growth.
- Divide every 3-4 years to keep the plant healthy.
Ten (10) plants in 4.5-inch containers per flat (or tray).
Have you heard of Elfin Thyme – Newlands Nursery
FAQ
Is elfin thyme the same as creeping thyme?
Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’, commonly known as Elfin Creeping Thyme, is a compact, aromatic, perennial sub-shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae).
What is the downside of creeping thyme?
One of the biggest downsides of creeping thyme as a lawn alternative is that it doesn’t stand up to heavy foot traffic like turf does. Apr 5, 2025.
Is elfin thyme invasive?
Spreading: The stems root where they touch the ground, and new shoots grow from where the roots are. Though it can spread quickly once established, creeping thyme is not invasive and easy to manage.
How fast does Elfin thyme spread?
Creeping thyme takes a while to become established, and the plants usually don’t grow much during their first year. However, established plants can spread quickly and stretch 12 to 18 inches wide by their third year.