Thyme
Scientific Name: Thymus
Common Names: Thyme
Native to: Mediterranean region
Lighting Requirements: Full Sun
Height: 6-12 inches, depending on variety
Width: 6-12 inches, depending on variety
Winter Look: Evergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen or dies back in colder regions
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall (small purple, pink, or white flowers)
Drought Tolerance: High; very drought-tolerant once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils
pH Range: 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
Deer Resistance: High; rarely browsed by deer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Notes: A fragrant herb commonly used in cooking and for ornamental purposes. Prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Suitable for herb gardens, rock gardens, or as ground cover. It's low-maintenance once established.
Varieties of Thyme:
English Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: 6-12 inches
Notes: The classic culinary thyme with aromatic leaves commonly used in cooking. It is compact and versatile and often grown in herb gardens, containers, or as a border plant.
Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: 6-12 inches
Notes: Has a distinct lemon scent, making it popular for culinary use, especially in salads, fish dishes, and teas. It also makes a fragrant ground cover or edging plant.
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Height: 3-6 inches (7-15 cm)
Width: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Notes: A low-growing variety, perfect for ground cover or between stepping stones. Creeping thyme is also used in rock gardens and as a fragrant lawn substitute.
Caraway Thyme (Thymus herba-barona)
Height: 8-12 inches
Width: 8-12 inches
Notes: Its caraway seed aroma makes it popular for seasoning meats, especially sausages. It forms a dense mat of green foliage with an aromatic flavor profile.
Golden Thyme (Thymus vulgaris 'Aureus')
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: 6-12 inches
Notes: A variety with golden-colored foliage, adding a splash of color to gardens while offering the same culinary uses as common thyme. Often used for ornamental purposes and as a ground cover.
Pizza Thyme (Thymus x 'Pizza')
Height: 6-8 inches
Width: 8-12 inches
Notes: A flavorful variety with a hint of oregano, perfect for adding to pizza or Italian dishes. A compact, low-growing variety ideal for container planting or herb gardens.
Orange Thyme (Thymus vulgaris 'Orange')
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: 6-12 inches
Notes: Has a distinct orange fragrance, making it an interesting variety for culinary use, especially in fruit salads, poultry, and desserts. It also adds variety in herb gardens.
Elfin Thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin')
Height: 2-3 inches
Width: 8-12 inches
Notes: A tiny, compact variety perfect for ground cover. Its small, evergreen leaves and bright pink flowers make it ideal for filling in between stepping stones or as a fragrant lawn alternative. Needs rich soil.
Variegated Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus 'Variegatus')
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: 6-12 inches
Notes: This variety features the same lemon scent as regular lemon thyme, but with attractive variegated green and white foliage. It's excellent as both a culinary herb and an ornamental plant.
Mother of Thyme (Thymus praecox)
Height: 2-3 inches
Width: 8-12 inches
Notes: A low-growing thyme, ideal for ground cover. It has small, aromatic leaves and produces pink or purple flowers in summer. Excellent for rock gardens or between stepping stones.
French Thyme (Thymus vulgaris 'French')
Height: 6-12 inches
Width: 6-12 inches
Notes: A variety with a stronger flavor than the English thyme, commonly used in French cuisine. It has a compact growth habit and is often used in herb gardens, containers, or as a border plant.