Close-up of Elfin Creeping Thyme moss on a rock surface

Elfin Creeping Thyme

1 Gallon
$16.90
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Close-up of Elfin Creeping Thyme moss on a rock surface
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Elfin Creeping Thyme

Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin'

Ultra-low fragrant groundcover with soft purple spring blooms

$16.90
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Elfin Creeping Thyme is a compact, mat-forming groundcover prized for its tiny aromatic foliage and delicate lavender-pink flowers. Growing only an inch or two tall, it creates a dense, carpet-like surface that works beautifully as a lawn alternative or as a filler between stepping stones and pavers.

This variety stays exceptionally low and tight, giving landscapes a refined, finished look without frequent mowing or trimming. During late spring and early summer, it bursts into bloom, attracting pollinators while releasing a subtle herbal fragrance when brushed or lightly stepped on.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Foliage: Tiny, oval, bright green leaves that form a very dense, moss-like mat. The foliage is slightly fuzzy and releases a pleasant, mild herbal fragrance when brushed or crushed.Flowers: Produces a profusion of small, pale pink to lavender-pink flowers in early summer that attract bees and other pollinators.Habit: A super dwarf, evergreen perennial with a very tight, compact, and slow-spreading, ground-hugging habit.
  • Mature Height: 1-2 inches
    Mature Width: 4-8 inches
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Light Needs: Full sun
  • Key Advantages:Forms an exceptionally dense, weed-suppressing mat.Tolerates light foot traffic and releases fragrance when walked upon.Very drought tolerant once established.Low maintenance and non-invasive.Attracts pollinators
  • Landscape Uses:.Filler between stepping stones and pavers.Rock gardens and wall plantings.Lawn alternative for small, low-traffic areas. Edging for pathways and borders
FAQs

Is Elfin Creeping Thyme evergreen?
In mild California climates, it remains evergreen or semi-evergreen throughout the year.

Can it be used as a lawn replacement?
It works well as a low-traffic lawn alternative but is not designed for heavy foot traffic.

How drought tolerant is this plant?
Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and ideal for water-conserving landscapes.

Does it attract pollinators?
Yes, the spring flowers are very attractive to bees and beneficial insects.

Is it suitable for Bay Area gardens?
Yes, it performs exceptionally well in Bay Area conditions with proper drainage and sun.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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