Choose These Fast-Growing Thyme Varieties And Watch Pollinators Flock To Your Yard

Are you looking for a plant that works double duty, filling in a sunny spot fast while also attracting helpful pollinators to your yard? The solution to this problem may be right under your nose: creeping thymes. Instead of planting a traditional lawn, you can choose plants that beautify your space and support the local environment. These low-growing perennials create an aromatic ground cover with some advantages over other types of plants. They are tough, drought-tolerant, and can even handle light foot traffic, making them a low-maintenance choice for pathways and between pavers in your yard.

Among the many varieties of thyme, mother of thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and caraway thyme (Thymus herba-barona) stand out for their ability to grow rapidly and provide a food source for bees and butterflies. By planting one of these resilient ground covers, you can create a garden feature that also serves as a gathering place for pollinators, which improves the health of the local ecosystem.

Mother of thyme, also known as creeping thyme or wild thyme, is a tough perennial that's native to Northern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It's known for its mat-forming habit and hardiness in USDA Zones 4 through 8. It forms a dense, woody-based mat that typically only grows a few inches tall, making it a perfect filler between stepping stones, in rock gardens, or as a lawn substitute in low-traffic areas. Its thin stems are covered in tiny, oval, blue-green leaves that release a faint minty aroma when brushed, which helps keep away rabbits and deer. Its most significant feature is the flowers that cover the plant in summer. From June to September, tiny, bell-shaped flowers in deep pink and purple grow upward and create a carpet of color.

The beautiful flowers are a magnet for pollinators. Bees are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers, while butterflies can find both food and a home in the low-growing plant. It grows well in full sun and well-drained, even nutrient-poor soil, tolerating drought and rocky conditions once it's established. Creeping thyme is a low-maintenance plant with minimal insect or disease issues. Its biggest weakness is too much moisture, and the roots can rot if it's overwatered or if the soil doesn't drain well.

Named for its distinct caraway scent, which also deters deer, caraway thyme is ideal for anyone looking to grow a fragrant, pollinator-friendly ground cover. This variety, native to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia, is an evergreen perennial that forms a mat of glossy, dark-green leaves. It has woody stems that grow along the ground, rooting as they go. This allows it to spread quickly and fill in spaces between pavers or over small rocks. Beyond its benefit as a ground cover, caraway thyme's leaves have a strong scent, and they can even be used as an herb in various dishes.

During the summer months, this plant comes to life. Clusters of small, deep pink, tubular flowers emerge, providing nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies. This variety of thyme shares many of the same growing conditions and characteristics as mother of thyme, preferring full sun; dry to medium, well-drained soil; resistance to pests and disease; and the same USDA growing zones. Its quick growth, ability to grow in shallow soil, and dual role as ornamental ground cover and culinary plant make it a beneficial choice for any sunny spot around your home.