Thyme »These are the most common varieties

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 species, there are also popular and lesser-known - but very interesting - varieties with amazing aromas. The most famous varieties are likely

• the real thyme (Thymus vulgaris),
• the lemon thyme (Thymus citriodorus)
• as well as the cascade thyme (Thymus longicaulis).

The real thyme

The usually spherical growing real thyme has a very large variety of varieties, which u. a. are commercially available under the names “German Thyme”, “French Thyme” or “Swiss Thyme”. Depending on the variety, the plants reach heights between 15 and 40 centimeters and can purple, pink or white bloom. The real 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 shape and colors. Some species grow upright, others more loosely or even

as a creeping ground cover. Some lemon thyme have green leaves, while others have yellow or bicoloured leaves. Lemon thyme are between two and 20 centimeters high and - depending on the variety - have a pronounced lemony taste.

The cascade thyme

In contrast to the other, diverse thyme species, there is only one subspecies of the cascade thyme - Thymus longicaulis ssp.odoratus. This vigorous thyme develops large and long shoots that can be up to 25 centimeters (sometimes even longer). The elongated leaves have a distinctive light green color, the flowers show themselves in their lush, light purple splendor between May and July. This thyme is particularly suitable for a planting of Buckets or window boxes, as its long shoots hang down decoratively. It is also 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 the real 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)
• Caraway thyme (Thymus herba-barona)

Not thyme in the botanical sense, but with a strong fragrance of thyme - and just as diverse as it as a herb Can be used - Jamaica thyme, which is also known as "Cuban oregano" or "Coleus amboinicus" is offered.

Crawling or standing? Varieties for different garden design

Due to their creeping habit, some thyme varieties are ideal as ground cover or even to the sturdy fragrant lawn. Caraway thyme, lavender or some types of lemon thyme in particular form dense, evergreen cushions. If such a herb lawn is used frequently, it is advisable to create a path with the help of stone slabs or the like. ä. - the steps would ultimately lead to clear tracks.

Tips & Tricks

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