Thyme

Thyme

Botanical name: Thymus spp.

Bloom type: Perennial

The genus, Thymus, is a member of the Lamiaceae or Mint family and has about 350 different species of perennial herbaceous plants and evergreen shrubs. The species has various sizes and growth habits. Thyme has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental or for culinary use. They are native to Greenland, the temperate and subtropical areas of Euroasia, and Northeast Tropical Africa.

Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is often used in cooking to flavor soups, stews, sauces, and meats. Different species have a variety of flavors and fragrances that include caraway, lemon, nutmeg, orange, and oregano. Some species, such as Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), are used primarily as groundcovers. Other species, such as Wooly Thyme (Thymus praecox), may be used as lawn substitutes. The essential oils of the thyme leaves have been used to make perfumes, antiseptics, expectorants, and deodorants.

The origin of the word, "thyme," is from the Greek word, thumos, which means "courage." During Medieval times thyme was thought to be an emblem of bravery, strength, and courage. The word thyme may also have been derived from the Greek word, thymos, meaning "perfume."

Thyme grows best in full sun and dry, sandy, or rocky soils. They can tolerate very alkaline soils. They prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate drought once they are established. They are intolerant to wet soils or poor drainage. 

The plant is low maintenance, but it should be trimmed when it gets leggy. When using thyme for culinary purposes, it is best to harvest the leaves just before flowering when the essential oils are at their peak.

The common method of propagation is by stem cuttings, division, and seeds. Due to erratic germination, some species of thyme are difficult to propagate from seeds.

The stems of the thyme plants are thin, wiry, and woody. The leaves are tiny, fragrant, and their colors vary from green to silver, depending on the species. The flowers are tiny, tubular, and colors vary from white, pink, to purple. The fruits are tiny schizocarps.

The flowers of thyme are rich in nectar and attractive to bees and butterflies. Thyme is an excellent plant for pollinator gardens, rock gardens, or herb gardens. Some species are primarily ornamental and due to their creeping habit may be used between stepping stones, rocks, ledges, or walls. They may also be used as a border plant. Thyme is typically deer and rabbit resistant.

There are many species and cultivars available to add color and fragrance to your landscape.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:

This genus has no serious insect or disease problems. Although, it may be susceptible to root rot if soils are wet or poorly drained.

Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox