Thyme is not the same as thyme - there are currently around 210 different species known, which not only differ in external factors such as growth height and shape, color of the flowers and leaves and in their frost hardiness, but also in taste and healing power. We present some of the most important and interesting varieties here.

Variety of different flavors

The characteristic aroma of thyme is unmistakable - and yet the different varieties differ greatly in terms of intensity and taste. In addition to milder and stronger varieties, there are also popular and lesser-known - but very interesting - varieties with amazing aromas. The most famous varieties are probably

  • common thyme (Thymus vulgaris),
  • lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
  • and cascading thyme (Thymus longicaulis).

The real thyme

The common thyme, which usually grows spherically, has a very large variety of varieties, which e.g. are commercially available under the names "German Thyme", "French Thyme" or "Swiss Thyme". Depending on the variety, the plants reach heights of between 15 and 40 centimeters and can bloom purple, pink or white. The common thyme grows upright and is frost hardy.

The lemon thyme

The popular lemon thyme also has a large variety of different varieties, which can differ greatly in terms of growth form and colour. Some species grow upright, others more in a loose manner or even as a creeping groundcover. Some lemon thyme have green leaves, others yellow or bicolored. Lemon thymes grow between two and 20 centimeters high and - depending on the variety - have a pronounced lemony taste.

The Cascade Thyme

In contrast to the other, varietal types of thyme, there is only one subspecies of cascading thyme - Thymus longicaulis ssp.odoratus. This vigorous thyme forms large and long shoots that can grow up to 25 centimeters (sometimes even longer). The oblong leaves have a distinctive light green colour, the flowers appear in their lush light violet splendor between May and July. This thyme is particularly suitable for planting in tubs or balcony boxes, as its long shoots hang down decoratively. It is sometimes also referred to as porcini thyme.

Unusual species for the garden and balcony

In addition to the well-known varieties listed, the thyme plant family provides some very unusual specimens, some with very special aromas.

  • Orange thyme (Thymus vulgaris ssp. fragrantissimus, a subspecies of common thyme)
  • another type of orange thyme with a strong aroma (Thymus vulgaris 'Orange Spice')
  • Lavender thyme (Thymus thracicus)
  • Pine scented thyme (Thymus thracicus 'Pine Wood')
  • Ginger-Thyme (Thymus hybrid 'Ginger')
  • Rose scented thyme (Thymus species)
  • Bergamot Thyme (Thymus chamaedrys)
  • Cumin thyme (Thymus herba-barona)

Not thyme in the botanical sense, but with a strong scent of thyme - and just like thyme that can be used in many ways as a herb - is Jamaican thyme, which is also sold under the names "Cuban oregano" or "Coleus amboinicus".

Creeping or standing? Varieties for different garden design

Due to their creeping growth habit, some types of thyme are ideal as ground cover or even for sturdy, scented lawns. In particular, caraway thyme, lavender or some types of lemon thyme form dense, evergreen cushions. If such a herb lawn is walked on frequently, then it is advisable to create a path using stone slabs or similar - the steps would ultimately lead to clear tracks.

tips and tricks

If you like to smoke fish, meat or sausage yourself, the intensely aromatic mastic thyme (Thymus mastichina) is best.

Category:

Herbs