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Jesse Saylor
Lamiaceae
Thymus vulgaris
Common Thyme
Thyme is one of the most versatile herbs for the garden. Its ornamental value, varied culinary uses, and natural pest repelling abilities make thyme a must-have in any kitchen garden. To read more about using thyme to repel pests in the vegetable patch, go to: http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/edibles/herbs/GardenGuardians.aspx Thyme’s linear to elliptical gray-green, finely hairy leaves retain their fragrance and color throughout the year in all but the coldest climates. In late spring to early summer, small bright purple to white flowers appear. This bushy, evergreen subshrub is native to the western Mediterranean and southern Italy, where it bakes in chalky soil.
Thyme will thrive in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained sandy soil in full sun. Its lineage of growing in soil with a high concentration of chalk indicates that it needs neutral to alkaline soil; it is also drought tolerant. Cut thyme back in early spring and trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact. Grow thyme as a low edging plant or in containers. It can be used fresh or dried. Some of the most popular cultivars of this versatile herb include: ‘Orange Balsam’ with orange-scented foliage, ‘Silver Posie’ with white margins on its leaves, ‘Argenteus’ or silver thyme with silver variegations on the leaves, and ‘Hi-Ho’ with even more silver variegation on a compact plant.
9 - 1
4 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Herb
Full Sun
6"-12" / 15.2cm - 30.5cm
16"-24" / 40.6cm - 61.0cm
Late Spring, Early Summer
Southern Europe
Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Drought Tolerant
Cushion/Mound-forming
Spring, Summer
Insignificant
White, Purple
Light Green, Gray Green
Gray Green
Sandy Brown
Yes
No
Fine
Matte
Alpine, Container, Edging, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Rock Garden / Wall
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