Thymus sp.

THYME

The genus Thymus contains approximately 350 species; a few are used for garden and culinary purposes. They are generally woody-based, aromatic, evergreen perennials. Native to Eurasia the leaves are opposite, oval to linear leaves. In the summer, terminal whorled, racemes, heads or clusters of 2 lipped, usually lavender to pink flowers. Flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees. The stems grow along the ground becoming woody with age.

All species prefer full sun and very well drained soil. If grown in wet soils they quickly succumb to various rots. Hot summers and high humidity may result in “melt down in the deep South. Should this occur plants should be cut back and generally recover quickly. This inconvenience should not discourage the gardener for enjoying this wonderfully aromatic garden delight.

The plants are generally low growing, from virtually flat to the ground to a little over a foot tall. Many are evergreen, or have silvery, wooly leaves. In general, the taller growing species and those with smooth leaves will tolerate heat and humidity better than low growing or wooly types.

Most prefer soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5.

Layman Wholesale Nurseries offers the following cultivars of Thyme.

• Thymus citriodorus (Lemon Thyme) prefers moderate moisture and full sun. Lavender flowers are produced in the summer above the lemon scented variegated foliage. Height is 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) with 12 to 18 inches in spread (30-40 cm). Grows in zones 5 – 9.

• Thymus coccineus will grow in zones 4 - 9. It is a low creeper with rounded glossy green leaves and bears lavender flowers in July and August. Takes more partial shade than other Thymes.

• Thymus vulgaris argenteus, ‘Silver Thyme’ low growing selection that reaches a height of 2 – 3 inches. Stems are densely covered with wooly gray leaves. Pink flowers are produced in mid-summer. Grows in zones 6 – 10.

• Thymus praecox spp. articus

1. ‘Albus’ forms emerald green mats of fragrant green foliage with white flowers. This cultivar prefers moderate moisture full sun and blooms in the summer.
2. ‘Elfin’ is noted for its small closely spaced flowers. It is one of the smallest thymes and a very slow growing selection. The foliage is green and smothered by soft-pink flowers above the foliage in early summer.
3. ‘Pink Chintz’ is a very tolerant thyme for dry conditions, but with extra water grows vigorously. To keep looking neat trim off faded flowers. Blooms in late spring and grows in zones 4 – 9.

• Thymus pseudolanuginosus known as WOOLY Thyme is a low fast growing selection. It has hairy leaves which produce a gray cast to the foliage. This is an attractive ground cover particularly useful as filler in rock gardens. Grows approximately 4 inches tall and spreads 12 inches.

• Thymus X ‘Highland Cream’ is a mat forming selection with green foliage with a variegated cream edge. Pink flowers are produced in the summer. Grows in full sun.