Creeping phlox and creeping thyme are two common ground cover plants utilized in landscaping and gardening for their low, spreading growth habits. At first glance, they may appear similar with their carpet-like foliage and colorful spring blooms. However, creeping phlox and creeping thyme are actually quite different plants.
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What is Creeping Phlox?
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a species of flowering plant in the Phlox genus of the family Polemoniaceae. It is native to eastern and central USA and Canada. Creeping phlox is a low-growing species that forms a lush, spreading mat only 2-6 inches tall. It produces clusters of 5-petaled flowers in spring and intermittently throughout the summer. Flower colors include white, pink, red, purple and blue. The scalloped, needle-like leaves remain green in color throughout the seasons. This plant spreads via stolons or runners along the ground. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Creeping phlox is an excellent choice for use as a ground cover thanks to its rapid spread, early spring blooms, vibrant flower colors and evergreen foliage. It also attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Some popular creeping phlox cultivars include:
– ‘Crimson Beauty’ – crimson red flowers
– ‘Fort Hill’ – bright lavender-pink flowers
– ‘Red Wings’ – bright rose-red flowers
– ‘Emerald Blue’ – light blue flowers
– ‘Sherwood Purple’ – deep purple flowers
– ‘White Delight’ – pure white flowers
What is Creeping Thyme?
Creeping thyme refers to any of several spreading thyme species in the Thymus genus of aromatic plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. Some common varieties include:
– Thymus serpyllum – wild thyme, mother of thyme, creeping thyme
– Thymus praecox – mother of thyme, creeping thyme
– Thymus pseudolanuginosus – woolly thyme
These herbaceous perennial subshrubs form dense, matt-forming carpets only 2-4 inches tall. The small, oval green leaves remain evergreen in mild winter climates. Plants produce clusters of tiny tubular flowers atop stems in spring and summer. Flower colors include pink, purple, red and white depending on variety. As a member of the mint family, creeping thyme has a sweet, herbal fragrance. It spreads readily via stems that root where they touch the ground. Creeping thyme performs best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. Some popular varieties include:
– ‘Pink Chintz’ – bright pink flowers
– ‘Coconut’ – white flowers, coconut scented leaves
– ‘Ruby Glow’ – rosy-pink flowers
– ‘Argenteus’ – gray-green leaves with white edges
In addition to being an attractive, aromatic ground cover, creeping thyme can also withstand light foot traffic and provides nectar for bees and butterflies. It’s commonly used in rock gardens, border fronts, and between stepping stones or pavers. The leaves and flowers of creeping thyme can also be used fresh or dried for culinary purposes.
Differences Between Creeping Phlox and Creeping Thyme
Although creeping phlox and creeping thyme share similarities in their growth habits and growing conditions, they belong to completely different plant families and have a number of distinct differences.
Growth form
Creeping phlox grows taller, with a height of 2-6 inches compared to creeping thyme at only 2-4 inches maximum height. Creeping phlox also tends to spread farther and faster – up to 2 feet wide within only one season. It achieves this spreading habit through above-ground stolons or runners. Meanwhile, creeping thyme spreads more slowly via stems that layer where they touch the ground.
Foliage
The leaves of creeping phlox are small, scalloped and needle-like with a pointed tip. They remain evergreen all year long. On the other hand, creeping thyme has much smaller oval leaves that give it a finer texture. The foliage also varies from smooth to fuzzy between different thyme varieties.
Flowers
Creeping phlox bears 5-petaled, salverform flowers in cluster at the stem ends. Colors include white, pink, red, purple and blue. Creeping thyme has much smaller tubular flowers that grow in clusters at the end of slender stems. Thyme flowers most commonly come in shades of pink, red, and purple.
Bloom time
Both plants bloom in spring, but creeping phlox also repeats with intermittent blooming throughout the summer. Creeping thyme flowers for 2-3 weeks in spring and may rebloom lightly in early fall.
Scent
One of the starkest differences between creeping phlox and creeping thyme is their scent. Creeping phlox flowers are mildly fragrant. Meanwhile, creeping thyme varieties smell strongly of the characteristic thyme scent due to their higher essential oil content.
Herb quality
Creeping thyme is a culinary herb that can be used fresh or dried in cooking. The flowers and leaves add flavor to dishes. Creeping phlox, while non-toxic, does not provide flavor and is not used for culinary purposes.
| Characteristic | Creeping Phlox | Creeping Thyme |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Phlox subulata | Thymus spp. |
| Height | 2-6 inches tall | 2-4 inches tall |
| Spread | Up to 2 feet wide | Slower spreading |
| Growth habit | Stolons spread above ground | Stems root where they touch ground |
| Leaves | Evergreen, scalloped, needle-like | Small, oval, smooth or fuzzy |
| Flowers | 5-petaled, salverform, in clusters | Tubular, in small clusters |
| Flower colors | White, pink, red, purple, blue | Pink, purple, red, white |
| Bloom time | Spring, intermittent summer | Spring, sometimes fall |
| Scent | Mildly fragrant | Strong aromatic thyme scent |
| Culinary use | Not used | Leaves and flowers used fresh or dried |
How to Use Creeping Phlox and Creeping Thyme in Gardens
Thanks to their compact, spreading growth habits, both creeping phlox and creeping thyme make excellent ground cover plants and garden accents. Here are some ideas for using each species:
Creeping Phlox Uses
– Flowing carpets of color along walkways, borders or terraces
– Cascading over stone walls and rocky slopes
– Softening edges of raised beds
– Mixing with bulbs and perennials in rock gardens
– Adding vibrant color under trees and shrubs
– Planting in containers and hanging baskets
Creeping Thyme Uses
– Replacing turf grass along pathways or between stepping stones
– Softening spaces between pavers and patios
– Dramatic spreads of color and texture in rock gardens
– Spilling over edges of containers and hanging baskets
– Outlining flower and vegetable beds
– Releasing scent when walked on
– Repelling pests when planted among vegetables
Both plants require similar care – well-drained soil, full sun to part shade, moderate water. Space plants 12-18 inches apart for a dense mat. Shear plants lightly after blooming to encourage new growth and tidiness. It’s best to plant creeping phlox and creeping thyme from container grown starts or divided sections rather than seed. Propagate cultivars by division or cuttings to preserve flower colors and traits. With proper siting and care, these useful ground covers will thrive for many years.
Conclusion
Although their spreading growth habit and spring blooms may make them seem similar at first glance, creeping phlox and creeping thyme are quite distinct. Creeping phlox is a flowering plant valued for its evergreen foliage, colorful blooms and spreading form. Meanwhile, creeping thyme is a culinary herb prized for its scent, dense carpets of foliage and pretty flowers. Both make excellent ground cover choices, but offer different benefits to gardens. Creeping phlox boasts vibrant blossoms that attract pollinators while creeping thyme provides an edible, fragrant ground cover option. Gardeners can utilize both plants in similar ways while taking advantage of their unique qualities. With their easy care and lush spreads of color, creeping phlox and creeping thyme are timeless additions to any landscape.