Thyme
Thymus vulgaris · common thyme · German thyme · garden thyme
At a Glance
| Botanical name | Thymus vulgaris |
|---|---|
| Common name(s) | common thyme, German thyme, garden thyme, thyme |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Plant type | — |
| Height × Spread | 15–30 cm × 40 cm |
| Hardiness | — |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil | — |
| Flowering | June |
| Toxicity | — |
| Native range | southern Europe from the western Mediterranean to southern Italy |
Overview
Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as common thyme, German thyme, garden thyme, or simply thyme, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. The specific epithet vulgaris denotes its widespread occurrence.
Botanical Description
This plant forms a low-growing, woody, evergreen subshrub reaching 15–30 centimetres (6–12 inches) in height and 40 centimetres (16 inches) in width. It features small, highly aromatic grey-green leaves and produces clusters of purple or pink flowers during early summer.
Origin and Habitat
Native to southern Europe, specifically from the western Mediterranean region to southern Italy, Thymus vulgaris is adapted to this climatic zone.
Cultivation
Thymus vulgaris thrives in full sun positions. It is suitable for garden use as a short-lived groundcover and can be easily propagated from cuttings.
Care and Maintenance
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Propagation via cuttings is straightforward for renewal.
Uses
The plant serves multiple purposes: it is cultivated as a garden groundcover, provides the herb thyme for culinary use (slightly spicier than oregano and sweeter than sage), and is employed in herbal medicine. Numerous ornamental cultivars exist, including 'Silver Queen', which has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
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Cultivars and Varieties
| Cultivar | Height | Flower | Notes | AGM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 'Argenteus' | — | — | silver thyme | |
| 'Silver Queen' → | — | — | white-margined leaves, gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit | ✓ |
Quick Care Summary
| Sunlight | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Soil | — |
| Hardiness | — |
| Sow | — |
| Plant | — |
| Prune | — |
Facts sourced from Wikipedia / Thymus vulgaris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymus_vulgaris)
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