Common Name: |
Greater Wild Thyme |
Other Names: |
Broad-Leafed Thyme, Large Thyme |
Botanical Name: |
Thymus pulegioides |
Genus: |
Thymus |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
Native Location: |
Europe |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun. Most thymes prefer neutral to alkaline soil and thrive in stony or rocky situations. Thymes dislike wet winters, and benefit from a layer of gravel to protect the foliage from contact with wet soil. In autumn remove fallen leaves that settle on thyme plants as these may cause rotting. Trim lightly after flowering and remove dead flower heads to encourage bushiness. Remove green shoots of variegated cultivars to maintain variegation. In areas with cold, damp winters, T. camphoratus is best grown in an alpine house. Thymus vulgaris is used in companion planting to control flea beetles, cabbage white butterflies, and other cabbage pests. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring (species only); by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by division in spring. |
Harvest: |
Whole plants and flowering tops are collected in summer, as flowering begins, and distilled for oil, or dried for elixirs, liquid extracts, and infusions. Sprigs are picked during the growing season and used fresh, or dried for infusions. |
Variations: |
Archer's Gold Is compact with bright yellow, lemon-scented foliage and pale purple flowers; named after Bill Archer, who discovered it in Somerset, England. Height: 15-23cm (6-9in) Width: 45cm (18in) |
Aureus (Golden lemon thyme) Is a small, upright to spreading shrublet, with gold-splashed leaves. Tends to revert. Height: 10-15cm (4-6in) Width: 60cm (24in) |
Betram Anderson Syn. Anderson's Gold, E.B. Anderson Is low-growing with red-flushed new growths and golden foliage. Height: 15-23cm (6-9in) Width: 30-60cm (12-24in) |
Oregano-Scented Has an oregano-like aroma. Used as a substitute for oregano. |
Pennsylvania Dutch Tea Has large, bright green leaves and a mild, pleasant flavor; excellent for tea. Height: 12-18cm (5-7in) |
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Height: |
20-25cm (8-10in) |
Width: |
40-45cm (16-18in) |
Hardiness: |
Z4-8 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves |
Properties: |
An aromatic herb with a thyme-like scent. |
Culinary Uses: |
Used as a substitute for T. vulgaris |
Economic Uses: |
Source of commercial dried thyme and essential oil of thyme. |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 387, 389
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