Corsican Mint versus Elfin Thyme

16 years ago

I'm looking for a ground cover to use around stepping stones and in place of a lawn. I've narrowed it down to either corsican mint or elfin thyme. The area will get sun for most of the day. I'm located in North San Diego county near the coast - Western zone 24. My main criteria are: good coverage (lawn like), takes light to moderate traffic and would prefer somewhat drought tolerant. I've considered dymondia which is popular right now, but I want this area in my front lawn to be more green. I'm using the dymondia for my entire side lawn.

According to what I read, the corsican mint seems to be faster growing but takes more water. The thyme may clump and be slower growing but drought resistant. They look almost identical.

Does anyone have a recommendation between these two plants? Any experience that you can share?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (5)

gardenguru1950
16 years ago
You got it:

Corsican mint needs water.

Elfin thyme gets lumpy/moundy.

If it's not going to get too much traffic, why not go with one of the faster, flatter thymes such as 'Pink Chintz'?

Joe
davissue_zone9
16 years ago
I can't keep the mint alive for very long, but I've had the thyme in one spot for over ten years. It doesn't die out in the middle either. I haven't found it to be lumpy, but it does get walked on frequently, which might keep it flattened.
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tkluvs2read
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the recommendation. Is there a difference between "creeping pink thyme" and "pink chintz thyme"? I see comments about both online.

Tanya
nancyinla
16 years ago
Hi! I have Elfin Thyme that I planted about a year ago (+/- 1 month) and picked it for all the reasons you mentioned - it's around stepping stones, gets lots of light, takes light foot traffic and doesn't need much water. I've been very happy so far and it filled in really nicely. It looked clumpy when I bought the flats, but in place it doesn't.

My nursery carried a bunch of the different thymes so I could compare and Elfin (also called Anglican at some nurseries I went to) is MUCH lower to the ground than the rest, if you care. Also, bonus for me, it has tiny purple/blue flowers.

Doubt you could go wrong either way.
wanda
16 years ago
I love the "pink Chintz". I believe it goes by "Victor Reiter" in some areas. It's more green than wooly and seems a lot more hardier too.