Creeping Thyme vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Creeping Thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Lamiaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Creeping Thyme (Zones 4-8)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Creeping Thyme	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Thymus serpyllum	Sedum spp.
Family	Lamiaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	groundcovers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧 Low	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained, Poor	Well-drained, Poor
Height	3"	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Europe	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Creeping Thyme

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Creeping Thyme

✓Needs excellent drainage.
✓Don't over-fertilize — poor soil is fine.
✓Shear after flowering.
✓Plant between stepping stones for a fragrant pathway.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Creeping Thyme if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 4–8.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View Creeping ThymeProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Creeping Thyme grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Creeping Thyme needs full sun and low water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Creeping Thyme or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Sedum (Stonecrop) grows taller at 6" compared to Creeping Thyme at 3". Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2' while Creeping Thyme spreads 1' 6".

Are Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Creeping Thyme or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Creeping Thyme	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Thymus serpyllum	Sedum spp.
Family	Lamiaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	groundcovers	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧 Low	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained, Poor	Well-drained, Poor
Height	3"	6"
Spread	1' 6"	2'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Purple	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Europe	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Creeping Thyme

✓Needs excellent drainage.
✓Don't over-fertilize — poor soil is fine.
✓Shear after flowering.
✓Plant between stepping stones for a fragrant pathway.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Creeping Thyme if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 4–8.

Choose Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Creeping Thyme grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Creeping Thyme needs full sun and low water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Creeping Thyme or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Sedum (Stonecrop) grows taller at 6" compared to Creeping Thyme at 3". Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2' while Creeping Thyme spreads 1' 6".

Are Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

Yes, both Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Creeping Thyme or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Creeping Thyme and Sedum (Stonecrop) have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.