Creeping thyme and Hardy ice plant hybrids are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, pollinator friendly, flowers, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Thymus praecox 10 cm × 30 cm after 10 years
An evergreen, aromatic mat only a few centimetres tall that is covered in summer with pink, lilac or, depending on the variety, white or reddish…
Delosperma × hybridum 10 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
A group record for the hardier ice plant hybrids sold under series names (Wheels of Wonder, Jewel of Desert, Sundella, Suntropics) or as single…
Hardy ice plant hybrids grows faster than Creeping thyme.
Creeping thyme is hardier: down to -29 °C, against -23 °C for Hardy ice plant hybrids.
|
Feature
|
Creeping thyme
|
Hardy ice plant hybrids
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 10 cm × 30 cm | 10 cm × 45 cm |
| Ultimate size | 5–15 cm × 10–30 cm | 3–15 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Sandy, Average garden soil |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–September, pink, purple, white, red | May–October, pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, white |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 20 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €5.40 | no data |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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