Thymus(Thymus) is a genus of plants that includes several hundred species. 10 of them occur in Poland. All of them - including the very popular thyme and thyme - apart from aesthetic values, also have healing and spice properties. Meet the most popularspecies and varieties of thymerecommended for gardens. We suggesthealing properties of thyme , what is the use of this plant and what it looks likegrowing and reproducing thymein the garden.
Thymus pulegioides
Fig. AnRo0002, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
What does thyme look like?
Thymes belong to the family of Lamiaceae(Lamiaceae) and are found in Europe, Africa and Asia. They take the form of evergreen shrubs or low compact shrubs. They grow up to 50 cm in height. They have small oval or equilibrium leaves with a full-edge or serrated blade. Small labial flowers are gathered in heads or spikes and appear in spring and summer.All types of thyme have healing properties due to the high content of essential oil
Thyme species and varieties
Out of 10 thyme species found in Poland, several deserve special attention. Both due to the multitude of interesting varieties and their use.
Thyme(Thymus vulgaris) - is a shrub 10-40 cm high with raised shoots covered with gray hairy leaves. Small flowers in shades of purple and pink are gathered in clusters of long inflorescences.
Common thyme - Thymus vulgaris
Fig. depositphotos.com
Thymus serpyllum (Thymus serpyllum) is a short (5-15 cm) shrub with thin, creeping shoots covered with small leaves. This plant blooms from June to September with small, fragrant flowers.
Thymus serpyllum
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Lemon thyme(Thymus citriodorus) - reaches a height of up to 30 cm. Its branched, overlapping shoots are covered with small, lanceolate leaves. It is a honey plant that blooms from May to late autumn. It is distinguished by an intense lemon scent. The lemon thyme variety 'Aureus' with light yellow-green leaves is especially popular.
Thymus lemon 'Aureus' - Thymus citriodorus
Fig. depositphotos.com
Thymus pulegioides(Thymus pulegioides) - is a sub-shrub found throughout Poland, growing on meadows and grasslands. It has a wide habit and reaches a height of about 30 cm. Branched, hairy shoots are covered with small, egg-shaped leaves. At the tops of the shoots in late spring or summer, delicate dorsal flowers appear, forming irregular whorl inflorescences.
Thymus 'Foxley' - Thymus pulegioides
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Thymus praecox - in its natural state it is rarely found, but thanks to interesting varieties it is liked by gardeners. Due to creeping shoots, it creates dense, low carpets, ideal for turfing. New varieties such as the early thyme 'Purple Beauty' delight with both abundant flowering and the intensity of the colors. They are also more resistant and grow faster.
Early thymus - Thymus praecox
Fig. depositphotos.com
Thyme varieties recommended for gardensare presented in the table. They differ in height, color of leaves and flowers, and the date of flowering. Below the table we provide a link to download the printable version: -)
Download the list of thyme varieties in a printable version:
- Thyme species and varieties (PDF)
Thyme - application
Low, carpet varieties of thymeare used for turfing spaces under trees or tall shrubs or for filling places between summer-flowering perennials, such as lavender or yarrow. They fill the gaps between paving slabs or cobblestones, forming a green, fragrant binder.
Low thyme are suitable for plantingrockeries or low walls, where they reign in the company of such plants as: sedum, dragonfly, sailor phlox, or Carpathian bellflower. On the flowerbeds, they create effective combinations with low conifers, cinquefoils or carnations.
Thyme planted in containerstogether with other plants, most often perennial, e.g. geraniums, verbena, cloves, sage or mint, are an original decoration of balconies and terraces.
Intense aroma of thyme essential oilsrepels ants, aphids, snails, cabbage mite, rapeseed cabbage, cabbage stigma and carrot sirloin. It is worth finding a place for these useful plants in your garden, thus protecting plants from pests.
Thyme - medicinal and cosmetic properties
Among thyme grown in our country, thyme, sand thyme and thyme are the most valuable and most often used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils contained in thyme are widely usedin the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. They contain, among others, carvacrol, thymol, citral, linalool and flavonoids. Acting stronger than antibiotics, they show antibacterial, antifungal, expectorant, antispasmodic and choleretic properties.
Thyme herb
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InternallyThyme oil is mainly usedin diseases of the respiratory, urinary and digestive systems. As a component of cough syrups, it has an expectorant and diastolic effect. In cosmetics, it is an ingredient of hair preparations: it cleans and disinfects the scalp and strengthens the hair. It prevents dandruff. It is also used in the production of toothpastes and mouthwashes.Thyme herb is also used in the kitchenas a spice valued for its intense, bitter taste.
MBlack thyme and thyme have similar healing propertiesas thyme, but their effect is weaker.They show diastolic, expectorant, disinfecting, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Thyme infusions are used in infections of the mouth, throat and larynx. They also help in the fight against dry cough and problems related to the digestive system. Externally,thyme compressesare used for insect bites, burns, rheumatic pains and neuralgia.Thyme herb is used in the kitchenas a seasoning for many dishes, especially greasy and difficult to digest.
Lemon thyme hasdisinfectant and choleretic properties. Due to its unique aroma, it is perfect for seasoning poultry and fish dishes, as well as desserts.
Thyme - cultivation
Basicallythyme grows best in warm and sunny locationsand in dry, light, sandy or rocky and nutrient-poor soils.
Thyme has slightly higher cultivation requirementsand for proper growth it needs a moist, permeable and nutrient-rich position. It will also cope with weaker soils, but then it will yield worse.
Thyme do not require either watering or fertilizing . Every few years they can be fed with manure or mature compote.
Asthyme plants are evergreen plantsthey are exposed to physiological drought, especially during snowless, dry and sunny winters. In regions with more severe climates, it is advisable to cover them with cloth or agrotextile. Thanks to their regenerative abilities, even frozen thyme shoots quickly regenerate and reflect with new shoots.
Thyme can also be grown in containersIn order to enjoy the aroma of these spicy plants, in spring, at the turn of March and April, seeds should be sown directly in the pots. From the end of May, we can put the plants outside, decorating the balcony or terrace. For the winter, the pots must be moved to a room with a temperature of 10-15 ° C and watering the plants should be limited.
Thyme - pruning
Thyme pruning is mainly done after flowering Care should be taken to cut the plant just below the inflorescences and only the non-lignified parts of the shoots. If we cut the thyme in the wrong place, the plant may not bounce anymore. In spring, it is a good idea to trim the thyme shoots to about 1/3 of their length to allow for a lush and abundant flowering.
Thyme - reproduction
Thyme multiplies in 3 ways : by sowing seeds, cuttings and dividing clumps.
Sowing thyme seeds- seeds are sown in March-April directly into the ground or into boxes. They germinate after a few days at a temperature of around 21 ° C and high air humidity. The seedlings are quilted in pots, and the ready seedlings are planted in a permanent place at the end of May.
Thyme propagation by shoot cuttings- thyme is also propagated by shoot cuttings taken from the mother plant after flowering, ie in July or September. We plant new plants permanently in the spring or at the end of the summer of the following year.
Thyme multiplication by division- thyme should be rejuvenated every few years by dividing the clump. In this way, we simultaneously reproduce the plant and get new cuttings. We divide the mother plant into smaller parts and plant the cuttings formed after dividing them directly in a new place, or first plant them on the seedbed, if they were not rooted sufficiently.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
