{"product_id":"thymus-coccineus","title":"Thymus coccineus","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRed Creeping Thyme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eThymus coccineus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lamiaceae\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Southern Europe (Mediterranean region)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Evergreen groundcover herb\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRed Creeping Thyme (\u003cem\u003eThymus coccineus\u003c\/em\u003e) is a prostrate, mat-forming evergreen herb that smothers the ground in tiny aromatic leaves and erupts each spring–summer into a vivid carpet of deep crimson-pink flowers. Exceptionally well adapted to South Australia's Mediterranean climate, it thrives in full sun, tolerates dry summers and moderate frosts, and is equally at home softening a path edge, blanketing a rockery, or replacing sections of lawn in water-wise gardens. At less than 15 cm tall it offers maximum visual impact with minimal maintenance, making it one of the most rewarding low-growing plants for Adelaide and Hills gardens alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.10 m H x 0.30 m W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; 8–15 cm spread per year; dense, prostrate mat-forming habit that roots at nodes as it creeps, steadily filling gaps without becoming invasive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tiny, oval, dark green leaves densely packed on wiry stems; intensely aromatic when brushed or lightly crushed, releasing a classic thyme fragrance; remains evergreen through Adelaide winters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep crimson to bright magenta-pink, tiny tubular blooms clustered in dense whorls along stems; spring to early summer (September–December); non-fragrant flowers but foliage is strongly aromatic; highly attractive to bees and butterflies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal Interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Year-round evergreen foliage carpet; spectacular flush of crimson-pink flower colour in spring–early summer; stems remain attractive and aromatic through autumn and winter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Outstanding pollinator plant — bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects are strongly attracted to the massed spring flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drought-tolerant once established; frost hardy to approximately −10 °C; heat-tolerant through Adelaide summers; coastal-tolerant in sheltered positions; wind-tolerant; prefers well-drained soils but adapts to sandy and gravelly substrates; does not perform well in heavy, waterlogged clay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Density:\u003c\/strong\u003e Groundcover — tight\/dense carpet (lawn substitute or paver infill): space 15–20 cm apart (25–44 plants\/m²); groundcover — standard coverage (rockeries, borders): space 20–25 cm apart (16–25 plants\/m²)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thymus coccineus is considered non-toxic to dogs and cats. The aromatic oils may cause mild gastric upset if large quantities are ingested, so discourage pets from grazing heavily on it; occasional contact and light nibbling present no known risk. Always consult your vet if unusual symptoms arise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere It Works Best\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun — 6+ hours of direct sun per day is essential for compact, dense growth and maximum flowering; will become leggy and flower poorly in part shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained to sandy loam; neutral to slightly alkaline pH preferred; excellent drainage is critical — avoid heavy clay or consistently moist soils; amend with grit or coarse sand in Adelaide clay soils before planting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Establishment (first 8–12 weeks): water 2–3 times per week, keeping the root zone consistently moist until the plant has visibly begun to spread. Established: summer — water once per week in hot dry spells (every 10–14 days in mild weather); winter — rainfall is generally sufficient in Adelaide; no supplemental irrigation needed unless extended dry spells occur\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very low. Trim lightly after flowering (December–January) with shears or a mower on the highest setting to encourage dense re-growth and prevent woodiness. No fertilising required beyond an optional light dressing of slow-release fertiliser at planting. Remove weeds during establishment before the mat closes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10+ years; periodically rejuvenate by light shearing to maintain vigour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClimate Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideally suited to Adelaide's temperate Mediterranean zone, coastal suburbs, the Adelaide Plains, and the mid-Hills (up to ~500 m); also performs well in the Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Fleurieu Peninsula; marginally suited to hotter inland areas with supplemental summer water; fully frost hardy in the Adelaide Hills\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5–8.0); tolerates Adelaide's typically alkaline soils well\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape \u0026amp; Design Ideas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLawn alternative \u0026amp; paver infill:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant at 15–20 cm spacings between stepping stones, pavers, or along brick pathways — the mat tolerates light foot traffic and releases fragrance underfoot, creating a sensory garden experience perfect for Adelaide courtyard gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRockery \u0026amp; dry garden carpeting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use as a flowing groundcover cascading over rocks, retaining walls, or sloped banks in full sun — the prostrate habit and drought tolerance make it ideal for water-wise rockeries and hillside plantings in the Hills or coastal SA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCottage \u0026amp; Mediterranean border edging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mass plant along the front of mixed borders, rose beds, or Mediterranean-style garden beds alongside lavender, rosemary, and salvias to create a unified, low-growing, fragrant border that blooms spectacularly in spring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You Will Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew plants deliver such a striking seasonal spectacle for so little effort — Red Creeping Thyme transforms bare ground into a vivid crimson-pink tapestry each spring, buzzes with bees and butterflies at the height of its bloom, and then settles back into a neat, fragrant evergreen mat that asks almost nothing of you through summer and winter. It is the ultimate water-wise, low-maintenance solution for Adelaide gardeners who want beauty and biodiversity without the upkeep — get it into your garden and let it do the work for you.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Adelaide Plant Co","offers":[{"title":"140mm Pot","offer_id":67723001463036,"sku":"THYM-COCC-140MMPOT","price":12.49,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/9282\/0220\/files\/thymus-coccineus-red-creeping-140mm-pot-adelaide-plant-co.jpg?v=1792379956","url":"https:\/\/adelaideplantco.com.au\/products\/thymus-coccineus","provider":"Adelaide Plant Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}