Creeping thyme and Mountain rock cress are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, pollinator friendly, flowers). 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…
Arabis caucasica 20 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
It forms a cushion of grey-green evergreen leaf rosettes that disappears in early spring under lightly scented white flowers, pink in some…
Mountain rock cress grows larger: 20 cm × 45 cm after ten years, against 10 cm × 30 cm for Creeping thyme.
Mountain rock cress is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Creeping thyme.
Creeping thyme needs less care than Mountain rock cress.
Mountain rock cress is cheaper: about €3.90 at the size usually planted, against about €5 for Creeping thyme.
|
Feature
|
Creeping thyme
|
Mountain rock cress
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 10 cm × 30 cm | 20 cm × 45 cm |
| Ultimate size | 5–15 cm × 10–30 cm | 15–30 cm × 30–50 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–September, pink, purple, white, red | March–May, white, pink |
| Water need | Low | Low |
| Drought tolerance | High | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 20 cm | 30 cm |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €5 | approx. €3.90 |
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 8, 2026
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