Thymus vulgaris Silver Posie - Silver Thyme

The Thyme vulgaris 'Silver Posie', also known as Thymus x citriodorus 'Silver Posie', is a creeping variety with beautifully variegated olive green leaves tinged with cream, topped with lilac-pink spikes in June-July. This variety also makes an excellent evergreen ground cover, reaching a height of 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in). Thyme thrives in most soil types, including rocky soil, but is sensitive to excessive moisture. Plant it in spring or autumn and harvest it all year round.

Native to western and southern Europe, where it is sometimes found in the wild, common Thyme, also known as Farigoule, is a perennial plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It forms small fragrant clumps with grey-green foliage that are adorned with pretty little flowers ranging in colour from white to mauve-pink, depending on the variety.

All thyme species are excellent plants for rockeries and paving. They all contain essences that evoke the scent of the Mediterranean scrubland and have properties similar to common thyme.

Common Thyme is a cold and drought-resistant herb that is easy to grow and thrives in poor, light, even rocky and limestone soils that are well-drained. If your soil is rather damp and clayey, we recommend growing it in a pot where it will thrive.

Harvesting: Thyme can be harvested annually as its leaves are evergreen. Preferably pick in the morning. Thyme is most fragrant during its flowering period, in summer. Since it should be pruned to maintain a compact shape, take advantage of this to stock up for the winter months!

Preservation: Thyme is traditionally preserved by drying. After washing and drying the stems, hang the bunches upside down in a dry, well-ventilated place. This is a simple and quick process that you can replace with freezing if you find it more convenient.

Gardener's tip: Don't hesitate to mix different types of plants by placing aromatic herbs like Thyme in the middle of your perennial flower beds or even in rockeries. They will integrate perfectly, and the sometimes powerful aromas of aromatic plants can often repel insects that may attack more delicate plants like roses.