Thymus pulegioides Foxley - Thyme

Thymus pulegioides ‘Foxley’ is a variety with a compact habit and bright variegated foliage. Its aromatic and decorative foliage will enhance your borders, rockeries, and pots and add flavour to your dishes throughout the year. In late spring, this ground cover thyme is covered with nectar-rich, lavender-pink flowers. This cold-hardy, drought-tolerant thyme thrives in sunlight in most types of soil, including rocky soil. However, it dislikes excessive moisture.

Native to Western and Southern Europe, Thyme is a perennial undershrub of the Lamiaceae family. Thymus pulegioides gets its species name from pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) due to their resemblance. This thyme is also called broad-leaved thyme because its leaves are wider than other species.

The faux pennyroyal thyme ‘Foxley’ is distinguished by its wide, rounded leaves and variegated cream-green colouration. In winter, they sometimes take on a pink and bronze hue. In June and July, it is covered with small purple flowers that attract butterflies and bees. It forms a small, carpeting shrub that does not exceed 20 cm in height. It is ideal for embellishing a border or rockery in the garden and is well-suited for container cultivation.

Its aromatic leaves are appreciated in cooking. With a milder scent than common thyme, they are used in the same way, either alone or in a bouquet garni. Thyme leaves flavour simmered dishes, sauces, marinades, and even court bouillons. They can also be used in infusion, known for relieving digestive ailments.

Harvest: Thyme can be harvested throughout the year, as its leaves are evergreen. The flowering period is particularly suitable when thyme is most fragrant. Preferably harvest in the morning.

Storage: After washing and drying the stems, hang the bunches upside down in a dry and well-ventilated place, away from light. Once dry, store them in a jar or airtight container.

Gardener's tip: Place your herb pots near the kitchen so you can easily access fresh herbs whenever you need them.