Common thyme

Technical-Botanical Sheet

Scientific Name:

Thymus officinalis

Common Name:

Common thyme

Family:

Lamiaceae

Origin:

Mediterranean Basin

Main Characteristics:

• Habit: Perennial, shrubby, mat-forming plant with thin, woody-based stems.
• Size: Height between 20 and 40 cm, width up to 50 cm.
• Leaves: Small, linear-lanceolate, grey-green, strongly aromatic.
• Fruits: Small nutlets containing seeds, not particularly ornamental.
• Growth: Moderate, flowering from May to July with small pink-lilac, nectar-rich flowers.

Cultivation and Care:

• Exposure: Full sun; prefers warm and dry environments.
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or calcareous, low in organic matter, with neutral to alkaline pH.
• Hardiness: Very drought-tolerant and resistant to cold down to around -10/-15°C.
• Uses: Rock gardens, borders, container planting, herb beds, culinary use, natural medicine, and essential oil production.