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Thymus serpyllum 'Reiter's Red'

Reiter's Red Thyme

Plant photo of: Thymus serpyllum 'Reiter's Red'
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Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer:

 

Description

This attractive and reliable groundcover is so dense that it can smother out weeds. It reaches 3" tall and spreads 30". Leaves are tiny and dark green. Can tolerate some foot traffic. Tiny red flowers appear in summer. This plant is great for a rock or Mediterranean style garden. It prefers full to part sun and has low water requirements once it's established. It will cover adjacent sidewalks and rocks. Bees love this plant too.

Maintenance Tips

Thymus serpyllum 'Reiter's Red' is a hybrid of the low-growing, creeping ground cover known as Red Thyme. This particular variety has been developed to have red flowers, instead of the common pink. It is not used for culinary purposes but it makes an excellent ornamental ground cover. This is a very low-maintenance plant if it is planted in ideal conditions. It is drought tolerant and prefers full sun but can thrive in any soil condition. During the cooler, wetter months, the excess moisture can cause the plant to lose leaves and thin out. It is susceptible to root rot, mostly in the warmer months when people tend to overwater. If symptoms of root rot are present, stop watering and allow the soil to dry out. If the problem is killing off the plant, a systemic fungicide can be applied to treat the disease.

 

Plant Type

Ground cover

Height Range

Under 1'

Flower Color

Red

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Unparticular

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Entry, Lawn, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.