Creeping thyme is the ground-cover thyme — a flat, spreading mat of tiny aromatic leaves that blooms in a flush of pink-purple flowers in early summer. It handles light foot traffic, fills cracks in paving, and works beautifully between stepping stones. Less intensely flavoured than English thyme but fully usable in cooking and aromatic.
One of the lowest-maintenance plants in the garden: plant in sun, in any well-draining soil, and largely ignore it. Division in spring every few years keeps it fresh and contained.
Thyme Root Rot
Stems blacken at the base, foliage yellows and wilts, and roots turn brown and mushy. Common in heavy or poorly drained soil.
Remove affected plants and avoid replanting thyme in the same spot. Improve drainage with grit or raised beds, and water only when soil is dry.
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Aphids
Clusters of small soft insects on new growth and flower buds.
Knock off with a strong jet of water. Ladybirds and lacewings are natural predators. Insecticidal soap as last resort.
Spider Mites
Fine stippling or bronzing on leaves, faint webbing on undersides, foliage drying out during hot, dry weather.
Spray foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge mites. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days as needed.