Creeping Thyme or Blue Rock Cress Seeds - Groundcover Flowers

Characteristics and Uses of Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress Plants

This listing offers seeds for either Creeping Thyme (*Thymus serpyllum*) or Blue Rock Cress (*Aubrieta deltoidea*), both excellent choices for low-growing, spreading groundcover flowers. Creeping Thyme forms a dense mat of tiny, often aromatic, evergreen leaves and produces clusters of small flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white in late spring to early summer. Its foliage releases a pleasant thyme scent when crushed and is edible, offering a mild thyme flavor. It tolerates light foot traffic and is very drought-tolerant once established. Blue Rock Cress, on the other hand, forms a spreading or cascading mat of small, often hairy, evergreen leaves and boasts a profusion of four-petaled flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or violet in early to mid-spring, creating a vibrant carpet of color. While not typically used culinarily, its early bloom time provides a spectacular display. Dhara Seeds, a big, trusted name in the USA seed market with a vast, high-quality selection, offers these non-GMO seeds for gardeners seeking beautiful and resilient groundcover flowers.

Growing Conditions for Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress Plants

• Light Requirements: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to partial shade (Blue Rock Cress can tolerate some shade).
• Soil Type: Both prefer well-drained soil. Creeping Thyme tolerates sandy and rocky soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Blue Rock Cress prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils for both.

Planting Tips for Creeping Thyme or Blue Rock Cress

• Sowing Time: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or directly outdoors in spring after the soil has warmed. Fall sowing is also possible in mild climates.
• Sowing Depth: Sow seeds very shallowly on the surface of the soil; they require light for germination. Gently press them into the soil but do not cover.
• Germination: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 14-21 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing them 6-12 inches apart for Creeping Thyme and 8-12 inches apart for Blue Rock Cress to allow for spreading.

Watering Instructions and Tips

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly until plants are established. Once established, both Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress are relatively drought tolerant and prefer drier conditions.
• Watering Tips: Water at the base of the plants. Avoid overwatering, especially in poorly draining soils. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings once established.

Growing Zones

USDA Growing Zones: Creeping Thyme is typically hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Blue Rock Cress is typically hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Global Growing Zones: Adaptable to most temperate regions with well-drained soil.

Key Benefits & Uses

• Excellent Groundcover: Forms a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
• Beautiful Flowers: Offers either fragrant pink/purple/white blooms (Thyme) or vibrant blue/purple/pink/violet blooms (Cress).
• Drought tolerant: Well-suited for dry, sunny locations and xeriscaping.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
• Versatile Uses: Ideal for pathways, rock gardens, between stepping stones, and cascading over walls.

Best Uses in the Garden & Landscape

Both Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress are excellent choices for creating a beautiful and low-maintenance groundcover in sunny areas. Creeping Thyme is particularly well-suited for planting between stepping stones and in pathways where its fragrance can be enjoyed, while Blue Rock Cress creates a stunning early spring floral display, especially when cascading over rocks and walls. As flower seeds, they offer different seasonal interest and aesthetic qualities. Plant them in sunny, well-drained areas of your home garden. Their ability to attract pollinators makes them valuable additions to any flower garden or even the edges of a vegetable garden. These resilient plants are wonderful choices for a sustainable landscape.

Conclusion

Create a beautiful and resilient groundcover with either Creeping Thyme or Blue Rock Cress Seeds from Dhara Seeds, a big, trusted name in the seed world, offering a wide range of high-quality, non-GMO varieties to gardeners everywhere. Enjoy the fragrant foliage and delicate flowers of Thyme or the vibrant early blooms of Rock Cress. Start your seed starting journey with these exceptional garden seeds and transform your pathways, rock gardens, and borders. These seeds for planting will provide a long-lasting and beautiful addition to your landscape. Explore the benefits of these wonderful groundcover flowers today!

FAQ

Which plant is better for foot traffic, Creeping Thyme or Blue Rock Cress?

Creeping Thyme generally tolerates light foot traffic better than Blue Rock Cress, especially once established.

When do Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress typically bloom?

Creeping Thyme typically blooms in late spring to early summer, while Blue Rock Cress blooms earlier in the spring, usually in early to mid-spring.

Are Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress drought tolerant?

Yes, both Creeping Thyme and Blue Rock Cress are considered drought tolerant once they are well-established and prefer not to be overwatered.