Thyme is one of those little plants with many different common names. Fortunately, it has only one Latin name, Thymus vulgaris. The myriad of names for this simple culinary plant can be confusing. After all recipes don't call for pinch of 'German Winter Thyme' or a spot of 'French Summer Thyme'; they just call for Thyme.
They usually refer to English Thyme
Why then are there so many names for basically the same plant? A single batch of Thyme seed can produce a lot of minutely different looking thymes with minutely different amounts of flavor. Thus, from Thymus vulgaris seed, we have, not only the two mentioned above, but also 'Narrow Leaved French', 'Greek Gray' and 'Broad Leaf English'. Really a more appropriate name for all these slightly different thymes would be
T. serphyllum
Creeping thyme is an ornamental. From a tiny clump of little seedlings comes a spreading mat of scented foliage covered with pink flowers. It makes for excellent coverage and os easy for rock gardens. A mat-forming sub-shrub grows to maximum heights of 15cm (6") and blooms May to August. Grow in full sun, well drained soil, moderate to low water. Use in rock or herb gardens, as an edging along paths or as a groundcover. Zones 4-9.
From
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$ 2.70 CA
German/English Thyme
Thymus spp.
This woody little evergreen plant spreads happyily over the years and has pretty pink flowers which bees love. Grows to heights of 30cm (12").
