![]() Numerous cultivars of this species have been described, featuring plants of varying sizes (creeping to upright), varying flower colors (white, pink, red or purple), and varying foliage colors (dark green to gold to variegated). Specific epithet from Greek means creeping in reference to the trailing growth habit of this species. Genus name comes from the Greek word thymos (name used in ancient Greece for a species of Thymus or Satureja). Dense inflorescences (primarily terminal but sometimes axillary) of tiny, tubular, bell-shaped, two-lipped, deep pink to purple flowers appear in summer (June-September) on erect flowering stems rising 2-4” tall. Although leaves are aromatic (fragrance of mint), strength of scent varies according to season and habitat, and leaves are usually not considered to be of culinary quality. Numerous, thin, somewhat woody, prostrate stems clad with tiny, opposite, oval-rounded, pubescent, almost sessile, glossy blue-green leaves (to 1/4” long) form a flat foliage mat to 2-3” tall which will spread over time by rooting stems to 12-18” wide. Wild thyme is native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It is rarely used in cooking ( Thymus vulgaris is the culinary thyme most commonly used in cooking). They may also damage trees and structures with their aggressive growth.Thymus serpyllum, commonly called wild thyme, creeping thyme or mother-of-thyme, is a hairy, prostrate, creeping, woody-based perennial which is primarily grown as an ornamental ground cover. Invasive ground covers smother other plants, including native varieties. The closer they are planted the faster the ground will be covered. Flagstone Filler Thymes go in at about every 4-6 inches and larger Ground Cover Thymes go in about every 12 to 18 inches. Normally, we recommend the same spacing for plugs and pots. The issue with these plants is that they are difficult to control and a pain to eradicate. One plant will cover everything if you wait long enough. ![]() Problems Associated with Invasive Ground Cover PlantsĪs you might expect, invasive ground covers proliferate rapidly, soon taking over a section of a garden, then a whole yard if you’re not careful. These days, most nurseries know not to stock these creepers, but be wary of species marketed as “vigorous.” Their seeds disperse unintentionally through human movement, as well as on animal bodies.īesides seeds, invasive plants use underground roots and rhizomes and aboveground stolons to extend their reach. It became apparent that they were not good choices for home gardens, but, by then, the damage was done. These plants, often native to Europe or Asia, were often planted in North America as ornamentals. Reading plant labels and doing a little online research ahead of plant purchasing can save you a lot of time and aggravation later. These adorable blooms are pastel blue in color and shaped just like stars with five petals on each flower. Evident in the common name, this ground cover produces masses of delicate flowers on spreading vines. While growing ferns indoors adds unique appeal, planting ferns as ground cover in the yard is often not recommended, as many species are considered invasive. Blue Star Creeper is another low-maintenance option known for adapting well to a wide range of conditions. They can also be challenging to remove completely. No matter what types of plants you want to add to the yard, ensure that you stay away from very invasive shrubs, annuals, perennials, and non-native species or they will take over your space with little effort. Although these plants often have attractive qualities, their aggressive nature means that they’re generally not worth the risk. It’s essential to educate yourself about invasive plants so that you know which species to avoid and why. German Ivy (Delairea odorata) Ground Covers that Invade Gardens.Mexican Evening Primrose (Oenothera berlandieri) – A Night-Blooming Invasive Ground Cover.Bishop's Weed (Aegopodium podagraria) – A Leafy Invasive Ground Cover.Myrtle (Myrtus communis) – A Self-Fertilizing Invasive Ground Cover.Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) – A Fragrant Invasive Ground Cover.Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis).Problems Associated with Invasive Ground Cover Plants.
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