Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' is native to Central Europe and the Mediterranean. It serves gracefully both as an herb and as an ornamental ground cover. Elfin has lovely purple-pink blooms in early- to late-summer that add to its fragrant foliage. The tiny evergreen (1/8- to 3/8-inch long) leaves, ranging in color from dark green to grayish blue, are often cultivated for seasoning.

Elfin is prostrate by nature (flat or tending to grow along the ground); it takes on a slight mounding habit if planted in an area with only partial sun. This elegant and low-maintenance ground cover can even be planted in sandy soil. It is attractive to butterflies and generally resistant to disease.

Elfin is tolerant of light foot traffic, which makes it spectacular for pathways and between stepping-stones. As long as it is given well-drained soil, this Thymus adds flair as edging, filling, a cascade over walls, in rock gardens, or in borders.

Thyme is a low growing, highly aromatic herb that is often grown as a groundcover. It grows well in the cracks between pavers and rocks. It is extremely fragrant and flavorful and grows especially well in somewhat dry, sunny conditions. Once established it requires little water. Thyme is most fragrant and flavorful when grown in dry, lean soil. Too much moisture can rot the plants.

The foliage can be used for seasoning at any time and is easily dried. Thymus blooms are also edible and are tastiest when they first open. It is best, however, to stop harvesting thyme a month before the first frost. This reduces the amount of die-back, and allows more tender stems to harden off before the cold comes.

Thyme has been utilized for millennia. Due to its intrepid and vitality-laden symbolism to the ancient Greeks, athletes covered their arms with its oil before tournaments. All varieties of thyme have strong disinfectant properties, which brought about the cultivars' widespread use by Egyptians (for embalming) and even during 20th century wartime (to sterilize wounds).

Mature height 1-3", spacing 6-9", spreads 9-12". Slow to moderate growth rate, good for erosion control. Tolerates drought, heat & humidity, deer, rabbits, seashore, slope, and wind. Does best with average water and well drained soil.