Why is my Elfin Thyme dying?

Question

It's very well established...been in place between my patio pavers since late spring, and thriving.  It has spread like wildfire, and is at the point where we're going to have to start trimming it, just to see the pavers.

Just within the last 2 - 3 weeks, it has developed brown patches.  It started in one planting, and now there are several spots where the planting is almost completely dead.  As far as I can tell, it's fairly random.  Some spots have this problem, some don't, and there doesn't seem to be any connection.

The plant is browning, from the root side, toward the end of each stalk.  There are stalks that are completely brown, except for the last inch or less, which is as vibrant and healthy looking as the rest of the plant.

Any ideas?

Saint Omega · Accepted Answer

Well, it's difficult to diagnose or speculate with any degree of certainty without my actually seeing it, but it sounds like your thyme may be getting too much water. Elfin thyme is a pretty tough plant, and though it can handle a fair amount of humidity (of which I am certain as I live in Texarkana, Texas and it's plenty humid here and my thyme does fine), it tends to prefer fairly dry soil conditions. Soil conditions which are too wet tend to promote fungal problems such as botrytis, or encourage the attack of parasitic oomycetes such as pythium or phytophthora.

If there has been in increase in watering or rainfall then that could be the culprit. Or perhaps the plants have grown so thick between the pavers they are interfering with proper drainage even though watering conditions may not have changed.

So my best guess is that the thyme is being subjected to too much moisture and is as a result falling prey to any of a variety of fungal or parasitic bad guys. 

The following link discusses elfin thyme specifically and also touches a bit on plant care in general. I hope you'll find it informative and that your thyme can be saved. =)

Omega






http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/pda_f817.html

pihl · Answer

Elfin Thyme

Anonymous · Answer

RE:
Why is my Elfin Thyme dying?
It&#39;s very well established...been in place between my patio pavers since late spring, and thriving.  It has spread like wildfire, and is at the point where we&#39;re going to have to start trimming it, just to see the pavers.

Just within the last 2 - 3 weeks, it has developed brown patches. ...

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Why is my Elfin Thyme dying?

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