Common Name: |
Thymus Hybrids |
Botanical Name: |
Thymus spp. |
Genus: |
Thymus |
Family: |
Lamiaceae |
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: |
Doone Valley Is mat-forming, with lanceolate, dark green leaves, irregularly yellow-splashed, and rounded heads of mauve pink flowers, opening the red-tinged buds. Height: 12cm (5in) Width: 35cm (14in) |
Fragrantissimus (Orange Thyme) Has an upright habit, gray-green, ovate leaves with an orange-balsam scent, and pale flowers. |
Hartington Silver Syn. Highland Cream T serpyllum Variegatus Has a mat-forming habit, white-margined leaves, and pale pink flowers. |
Peter Davis Has fine gray-green foliage and pink flowers. Height: 12cm (5in) |
Pink Ripple Has relatively large, bright green leaves and pink flowers with dark purple bracts. Forms a large mat. Height: 12cm (5in) |
Porlock Is robust and bushy, with dark green, ovate leaves and mauve-pink flowers. Has a classic thyme aroma, good for cooking. Height: 30cm (12in) |
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Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 387, 389-390
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