Introduction

The name Thymus derives from the Greek thyo, to perfume.  Dioscorides used the name thymon for this herb, which belongs to the family Labiatae. There are around 400 species and subspecies and well over 100 cultivars.

Thymes grow wild in Europe, including Britain and also in Asia and North Africa.  Many of them come from the Mediterranean region. Not all of them are hardy in this country and therefore need winter protection.

I have more than 250 different species and cultivars, including wild collected plants, in my National Plant Collection^® and am regularly adding more, including European cultivars.  Kevin White of Chesters Walled Garden (incorporating  Hexham Herbs) in Northumberland, has held a National Plant Collection^® since 1989.

 

Last updated March 2005