Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ is a low-growing creeping thyme cultivar that produces masses of vivid pink flowers on wiry stems. This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and poor dry soils, making it an excellent groundcover option for landscapes and rock gardens.
Overview
- Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’
- Common Name: Pink Chintz Creeping Thyme
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial, groundcover
- Mature Size: Up to 2 inches tall, spreads 12-18 inches
- Flower Color: Pink
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Average, dry to medium moisture, well-draining
Key Features
- Produces a carpet of tiny leaves on creeping stems
- Abundant clusters of bright pink flowers in summer
- Handles light foot traffic well
- Drought tolerant once established
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Evergreen in mild climates
- Spreads 12-18 inches across
- Height of 2 inches
Planting and Care
Sun Exposure
- Thrives in full sun locations
- Tolerates light shade
- Requires at least 6 hours of direct sun per day
Soil Needs
- Not picky, thrives in average soil
- Prefers poor, sandy or gravelly soil
- Dislikes wet, clay soils
- Well-draining is essential
Planting Guidelines
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart
- Set starts or rooted cuttings just deep enough to cover the root ball
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Spread apart stems to encourage spreading
Care Tips
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Drought tolerant when established
- Shear lightly after flowering to encourage new growth
- Cut back severely every 2-3 years to rejuvenate
- Does not require fertilization
- Mulch around plants to suppress weeds
Growing Conditions
- Hardy in zones 4-9
- Can tolerate brief temps down to -30°F when established
- Prefers drier conditions
- Avoid hot, humid areas
- Does best in cool summer climates
Propagation
Propagating by Cuttings
- Take 3-4 inch cuttings from stem tips in spring
- Remove lower leaves and pinch off flower buds
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder
- Stick into moist potting mix
- Maintain humidity until rooted
- Transplant outside after last frost
Propagating by Division
- Dig up plant and divide into sections in early spring
- Each division should have some roots and stems
- Replant 12-18 inches apart
- Water well and cut back any flowering stems
Propagating by Seed
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Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost
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Barely cover with seed starting mix and keep moist
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Move to sunlight after germination
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Transplant outside after hardening off
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Direct sow outdoors in spring or fall
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Requires light for germination
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Water gently to avoid washing away seeds
Common Pests and Diseases
- Prone to root rot if overwatered
- Can develop powdery mildew in humid climates
- May struggle with aphids, spider mites, or thrips
- Deer and rabbits generally avoid
- No serious pest or disease problems
Uses in the Landscape
Groundcover
- Thrives in between pavers and stones
- Softens edges along walkways and patios
- Excellent for sloped areas to control erosion
- Locate where it can cascade over walls or trail down containers
Rock Gardens
- Not fussy about soil, ideal for rocky, gravely sites
- Cascades nicely over rock walls
- Softens harsh lines and adds color
Herb Gardens
- The leaves have a mild thyme flavor
- Cut sprigs to use fresh or dried
- Plant along the front edge of an herb garden
Containers
- Trails nicely from mixed planters and window boxes
- Allow room to spread out, needs at least 18-24 inches
- Combine with other creeping herbs and perennials
Varieties
- Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ – Vivid pink flowers, green leaves
- Thymus serpyllum ‘Coccineus’ – Bright red flowers, bronze foliage
- Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’ – Lavender-pink blooms, stays under 1 inch tall
- Thymus serpyllum ‘Mother of Thyme’ – Purplish-pink flowers, fast spreading
Quick Facts
- Zones: 4-9
- Height: 2 inches
- Spread: 12-18 inches
- Bloom color: Pink
- Exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Average, dry, well-draining
- Native to Europe
With its vivid pink blossoms and compact creeping habit, Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ is a standout groundcover. It thrives with minimal care and brings year-round evergreen foliage and abundant summer flowers. For maximum impact, plant it cascading over walls or trailing through rock gardens.
Planting Creeping Thyme
FAQ
Is there a downside to creeping thyme?
Is pink chintz creeping thyme a perennial?
Does creeping thyme come back every year?
How do you care for pink chintz creeping thyme?
Can thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ be planted between flagstones?
It is one of the first Thyme to bloom in spring and is an excellent choice for planting between flagstones and other stone pavers in patios, courtyards, and pathways. Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ with its thick stems of woolly foliage is more durable and more waterwise than other creeping thymes and thrives in almost any well-drained soil in full sun.
What does a Pink Chintz plant look like?
Award-winning Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic sub-shrub forming a carpet of tiny, rounded, slightly woolly, dark green leaves. Blooming profusely from early to mid-summer, it features clusters of small, salmon-pink flowers. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies.
What is a Pink Chintz?
Award-winning Thymus serpyllum ‘Pink Chintz’ (Creeping Thyme) is a dwarf, aromatic sub-shrub forming a carpet of tiny, rounded, slightly woolly, dark green leaves. Blooming profusely from early to mid-summer, it features clusters of small, salmon-pink flowers. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies.
Which thyme broom should I use?
For difficult, poor-soil areas on exposed slopes, more vigorous and aggressive ground covers like Groundcover Hybrid Broom (Genista kewensis) and Creeping Gold Buttons (Cotula) are recommended instead of creeping thymes. Thyme lawns tolerate some foot traffic but are not suitable for a kids’ play area.