Thymus vulgaris – French summer thyme

Description

Common name: French summer thyme, Thyme de Provence

The genus Thymus contains about 350 species of aromatic herbaceous perennials and sub-shrubs up to 40 cm tall. They are all native to the temperate regions of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. All of the most commonly cultivated species are evergreen, hardy and tolerant of drought. They generally prefer full sun and good drainage. All thymes are useful plants for attracting bees.

French summer thyme is said to have the best flavour of all the thymes, and is often preferred by chefs. It looks very similar to winter thyme, having narrow leaves and an upright growth habit. Leaf and stalk colour is more grey than the winter thyme. Plants are also less robust apparently- though I have not noticed this to be so in our Hawke’s bay garden. Pale pink to white flowers.

• Ht; up to 30 cm
• Full sun
• Good drainage
• Drought tolerant
• 9 cm pot