The real thyme is ideal as a medicinal and aromatic herb. But there are many more species to discover in the thyme genus.
The famous common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the best-known species in the thyme genus (Thymus). In total, however, there are 214 different types of thyme. The small subshrubs differ, for example, in growth habit, leaf color, but above all in their diverse aromas. We present some interesting alternatives to the "common" thyme (Thymus vulgaris).
- Bergamot Thyme (Thymus pulgeoides ssp. chamaedrys): It is characterized by its characteristic black tea scent.
- Ginger Thyme (Thymus Hybrida): Hybrid of species with a characteristic ginger flavor.
- Headed thyme (Thymus capitata): The squat leaves and flowers at the end of the shoots are conspicuous in this species, which grows to a height of 50 cm.
- Corsican thyme (Thymus herba-barona): Impresses with its caraway-flavoured leaves.
- Orange Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ssp. fragrantissimus): Particular species of common thyme, characterized by grey-silver leaves and an intense orange fragrance.
- Orosped Thyme (Thymus orospedanus): Has very small, silvery leaves that are characterized by a tart taste.
- Belly Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): Is particularly popular for rock gardens, as it does not grow higher than 10 cm and grows as a creeping ground cover.
- Lemon Thyme (Thymus x citriodorus): Has white-greenish leaves and is a bit more hardy towards winter. It got its name from its distinctive lemon smell and taste.
The diversity and variety in the thyme genus is almost inexhaustible. But even the star among the thymes, the true thyme (Thymus vulgaris), can exhibit a varietal variation within its species. Most of the different varieties differ in the individual components of thehealing thyme oil or they can show off with special growth properties.
- 'Varico 3': This variety contains a particularly large amount of the disinfecting thymol in thyme oil.
- 'Compactus': A particularly compact habit makes this variety popular for growing in pots.
- 'German Winter': An aromatic variety with relatively large leaves.
- 'Argentus': Also called silver thyme; distinctive are the green and white patterned leaves.
For a step-by-step guide to growing thyme, check out this article.