Thyme is by no means the same as thyme - there are currently around 210 different species known, which differ not only in external factors such as height and shape, color of the flowers and leaves and frost hardiness, but also in taste and healing properties. We will introduce you to some of the most important and interesting varieties here.
What types of thyme are there?
There are around 210 different types of thyme, which differ in appearance, taste and healing properties. The best-known varieties include common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus) and cascade thyme (Thymus longicaulis). Other interesting species include orange thyme, lavender thyme and caraway thyme.
Variety of different flavors
The characteristic aroma of thyme is unmistakable - and yet the different varieties differ greatly in 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
- the real thyme (Thymus vulgaris),
- lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
- as well as cascade thyme (Thymus longicaulis).
The real thyme
The true thyme, which usually grows in a spherical shape, has a very large variety of varieties, including:a. 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 real thyme grows tightly upright and is frost hardy.
The lemon thyme
The popular lemon thyme also has a large variety of different varieties that can differ greatly in terms of growth habit and colors. Some species grow upright, others in a more loose manner or even as a creeping ground cover. Some lemon thymes have green leaves, others yellow or bicolored. Lemon thymes grow between two and 20 centimeters high and, depending on the variety, have a distinct lemony taste.
The Cascade Thyme
In contrast to the other, diverse thyme species, there is only one subspecies of cascade thyme - Thymus longicaulis ssp.odoratus. This fast-growing thyme produces large, long shoots that can grow up to 25 centimeters (sometimes even longer). The elongated leaves have a distinctive light green color, the flowers appear in their lush light purple splendor between May and July. This thyme is particularly suitable for planting in pots or balcony boxes because its long shoots hang decoratively. It is sometimes called 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 Hybride 'Ginger')
- Rose scented thyme (Thymus species)
- Bergamot thyme (Thymus chamaedrys)
- Cumin thyme (Thymus herba-barona)
Not a thyme in the botanical sense, but smelling strongly of thyme - and, like it, can be used in many ways as a herb - is Jamaican thyme, which is also sold under the names “Cuban oregano” or “Coleus amboinicus”.
Crawling or standing? Varieties for different garden design
Some thyme varieties are ideal as ground cover or even for sturdy fragrant lawns due to their creeping growth habit. In particular, caraway thyme, lavender and some types of lemon thyme form dense, evergreen cushions. If such a herb lawn is walked on frequently, we recommend creating a path using stone slabs or similar.similar – the footsteps would ultimately lead to clear trails.
Tips & Tricks
If you like to smoke fish, meat or sausage yourself, the intensely aromatic mastic thyme (Thymus mastichina) is best.
