Thymus praecox 'Coccineus'
red creeping thyme
Cultivar selected from European species
Overview
Thymus praecox 'Coccineus' is a low evergreen subshrub reaching 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide, forming a dense mat of trailing wiry stems and small leaves that root along the nodes. Compared to the species type, which has pale pink flowers, 'Coccineus' produces deep magenta-red to crimson-red flowers, more deeply red-pigmented than the pale pink of the species type or the lighter pink of 'Pink Chintz'. Leaves are oval to obovate, 0.15-0.25 inch (4-6 mm) long, dark green with a slight bronze cast in cold weather, densely arranged along the stems. Tubular flowers about 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) across appear in dense clusters at the stem tips from June through July, attracting honeybees, bumblebees, and small native pollinators. Each flowering cluster lasts 3-4 weeks; bloom on a single plant extends 4-6 weeks. Foliage stays evergreen in mild climates (zones 4-9), bronzing in cold winters but rebounding to green with spring growth. Aromatic throughout, with the typical thyme essential-oil scent released when foliage is bruised. Lifespan 5-8 years; mats may need replanting as central zones thin out.
Native Range
The species Thymus praecox is native to Europe (from Britain east through central and southern Europe to the Caucasus) and naturalized in cool-temperate North America. The cultivar 'Coccineus' was selected from European cultivated stock and is propagated vegetatively to maintain its red flower color.Suggested Uses
Used between flagstones, in rock gardens, on green roofs, and as a low edging in herb borders or sunny rock garden plantings. Spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart for solid coverage in 2-3 years. Tolerance for foot traffic and lean soil suits the cultivar to paver gardens; not suited to areas with heavy daily foot traffic or summer-irrigated beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from June through July in zones 4-9, with peak bloom in mid- to late June. Cool, wet springs delay bloom by 1-2 weeks; hot dry summers shorten the flowering period to 3-4 weeks. Each flower cluster lasts 3-4 weeks; total bloom on a single plant extends 4-6 weeks.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
magenta-red to crimsonFoliage Description
dark green with bronze cast in cold weatherGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant container-grown stock in spring after frost has passed in well-drained loamy or rocky soils with full sun. Water weekly during the first growing season; established plants tolerate extended summer drought of 4-6 weeks without irrigation. Heavy clay or persistently wet soils promote crown rot, the primary cause of plant loss in unsuited sites. Tolerates light foot traffic between pavers but does not survive heavy daily traffic. Tolerates a soil pH range from 6.0 to 8.0 and grows in lean as well as moderately fertile soils. Centers of older mats may thin out after 4-5 years; replant from rooted divisions or cuttings to refresh thinning areas.Pruning
Shear back lightly after flowering in late summer to remove spent flower clusters and encourage compact regrowth. The cultivar regenerates poorly from old stem tissue; pruning into bare wood produces dieback. Cut out dead patches in spring to allow the surrounding live mat to fill in.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons