Before You Plant This Trending Ground Cover, Pay Attention to These Things

What to Know Before You Plant Red Creeping Thyme

Before you let thyme take over your lawn, there are a few key care requirements you need to consider.

It Needs the Right Conditions

Red creeping thyme thrives in these conditions:

• Full sun (6+ hours a day)
• Well-draining soil (soggy spots are a no-go)
• Zones 4–9 (check your USDA zone)

If your yard is shady, clay-heavy, or regularly gets swampy, thyme may struggle—or fail entirely. “It's not ideal for wet or fully shaded locations,” says Doyle. “Other than that, I recommend it to everyone to put it anywhere they can.”

It Doesn’t Like to Be Overwatered

Thyme is a Mediterranean herb, which means it’s used to dry conditions. You'll want to water it deeply but infrequently once it’s established. If you’re used to watering your lawn every other day, you’ll need to break that habit.

It's Not an Overnight Makeover

It can take a full growing season (or two) for thyme to fully fill in and create that seamless, tufted carpet look. During that time, you may see bare patches, weeds, or uneven growth. Don't panic; patience is part of the process. “I have seen full acres of just creeping thyme, and it was the most magical lawn I have ever experienced. It takes time, but it’s worth the wait,” says Doyle.

It Can Handle Foot Traffic... to a Point

Yes, you can walk on it—but daily foot traffic (especially from kids or pets) can wear it down. It’s best used in low-traffic areas or between stepping stones or pavers, where it makes a bold visual impact.

The short answer: yes—with care and intention. Unlike aggressive invaders like English ivy or bamboo, red creeping thyme is not considered an invasive species. It spreads slowly, and usually only where it’s planted and wanted. It won’t jump the fence into your neighbor’s yard or choke out your prized peonies. “Creeping thyme is not an aggressive grower,” says Doyle. “After planting, it might take a year for it to get established, but once it is, it will creep a little faster. It’s a very manageable groundcover, but also very effective,” says Doyle.

All that said, growing creeping thyme is still a commitment, especially if you plan to transition your whole lawn to thyme, which often means rethinking how you use your outdoor space. It’s a project—but one that can pay off with lower maintenance, less water use, and a backyard that feels more like a living landscape than a weekly chore.

“While it prefers sunny, dry locations to flourish, it can do wonders to help erosion control in shadier areas—it just needs good draining soil," adds Doyle. "It’s worth planting in a few different locations to see where it works best, because having too much thyme is never a bad thing."

Red creeping thyme is more than just pretty —it’s a smart, sustainable choice for homeowners who want beauty without the upkeep of a traditional lawn. If your climate and lifestyle align with its needs, give it a go. Just don’t expect instant results. Like any good relationship, a thyme lawn takes time.

And let’s be honest: a lawn that smells like fresh herbs and buzzes with bees? That’s not just trendy—it’s timeless.