Thymus praecox
Elfin Thyme

The TEENIEST thyme, and one of the most charming groundcovers we know. Thymus praecox ‘Elfin’ forms an ultra-low, dense, well-behaved mat of tiny green leaves, perfect for tucking between pavers, edging pathways, filling rock gardens, softening containers, or covering small spaces where you want something green, tidy, and not remotely bossy.

Unlike many groundcovers, Elfin Thyme stays delightfully compact and does not try to eat the entire garden. Its flat, creeping habit makes it especially useful in stepping-stone paths and courtyard plantings, where it slowly fills in with a soft, textured carpet. In bloom, small pink flowers add a sweet seasonal touch and attract honeybees and other pollinators.

Plant Thymus praecox ‘Elfin’ in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant once established, though occasional water will help it spread more quickly. Tolerant of many soil types, including heavy clay, this culinary thyme can handle gentle foot traffic. Low, fragrant, useful, and ridiculously cute — what more could a pathway want?

We guarantee that the plants we sell are healthy and viable at the time they leave our care.

If a plant arrives in substandard condition, please take clear photographs and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. To ensure eligibility under this guarantee, we strongly encourage you to open and unpack your shipment immediately upon delivery and inspect the plants thoroughly.

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$14.99 flat rate for up to 6 plants is for standard FedEx/UPS Ground shipping to eligible states only. $19.99 for up to 12 plants. Plants being shipped to the following states are sent via Express Mail to help ensure they arrive quickly and healthy. 

(AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV)
(list of states subject to change seasonally due to extreme heat or cold conditions)

We cannot ship Annie's Annuals plants to P.O. boxes or outside the continental U.S.

Individual plants are shipped in 4" pots and we ship in boxes of 4, 6, 8, or 12 plants per box.

For more details, read our full Ordering and Shipping Policies

Get your plants off to a strong start with our care guide.

Download the Plant Care Guide (PDF)