After growing elfin thyme in places where I usually planted Corsican mint, I found the thyme to be superior. I prefer this ground cover to Corsican mint ( Mentha requienii.) The mint tends to die back if not watered enough during our drought and in colder areas of the Pacific Northwest, and it will ultimately die during colder winters. Growing on top of a rock wall, the plant trails down and softens the hard edges between the stones. The small plant creeps over the edges of the stones wherever there are few footfalls.
The tiny leaves packed tightly together form a dense mat, outlining the space between flagstones in dark green. In our maritime climate, the minute foliage is evergreen, making it a valuable and handsome herb year-round. Although it is an herb, its primary use is ornamental. 'Elfin' conjures images of elves dancing on this diminutive herb's tiny, aromatic leaves.
