Creeping Thymelaea Plant Care

Creeping Thymelaea (Thymelaea procumbens) belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family within the Thymelaea genus. Creeping Thymelaea is native to Portugal and Spain.

Creeping Thymelaea displays a compact, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Creeping Thymelaea produces small, fragrant yellow blooms in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Creeping Thymelaea every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Creeping Thymelaea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Thymelaea procumbens tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Creeping Thymelaea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Thymelaea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Creeping Thymelaea every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with good aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Creeping Thymelaea is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Creeping Thymelaea can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Creeping Thymelaea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Creeping Thymelaea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Creeping Thymelaea can be propagated through seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bastard daphne plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Creeping Thymelaea is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Creeping Thymelaea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Creeping Thymelaea is native to Portugal and Spain. In cooler regions, grow Creeping Thymelaea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.