Creeping phlox vs Creeping thyme
Both are low mats for sun, the front edge and the cracks in a wall. Creeping phlox is a short, brilliant show in spring, sheets of pink, blue or white, then a neat green mat. Creeping thyme flowers in early summer, is aromatic, and is one of the few plants that take being walked on.
 Creeping phloxPhlox subulata |  Creeping thymeThymus serpyllum | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6 in tall, 24 in wide | 3 in tall, 18 in wide |
| Plant | 18 in apart | 12 in apart |
| Zones | 3 to 9 | 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to part sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, average fertility | Dry and sharply drained, lean fertility |
| Flowers | Mid April to mid May; pink, purple, white | Early June to mid July; pink, purple |
| Leaves | Fine, semi-evergreen | Fine, evergreen |
| Job in a bed | Carpet | Carpet |
| Pets | No toxicity recorded | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | Resistant | Resistant |
| Native | Yes | No |
| Spread | Low risk | Low risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose creeping phlox for more shade, colder gardens (to zone 3), a native garden, more height (6 in against 3 in) and more wildlife.
- Choose creeping thyme for leaves in winter and a smaller space (3 in against 6 in).
Can they grow together?
Yes: they grow in the same conditions. Beside creeping phlox, creeping thyme is takes over when it finishes, flowering from early June; low enough (3 in) to stand in front of it. They share full sun and zones 4 to 9.
Read more: all about creeping phlox, and all about creeping thyme, each with a bed the planner designed around it.