# Thymus Vulgaris - Common Thyme
Characteristics: Small, glossy green leaves clustered along slender woody stems and charming clusters of white or pink flowers in summer. It grows to 12 inches high. It's an excellent edger or front-of-the-border plant. Growing Information: Plant thyme in well-drained, sandy soil and full sun. Thyme also grows well in containers. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. Cut the woody stems back by about half in spring to encourage healthy new growth. Divide clumps every couple of years to keep them tidy and vigorous. Propagation: The easiest way to propagate thyme is to divide it in spring. You can also root stem cuttings. Cultivars: Cultivars of this species include 'Broadleaf English' and 'Variegated English'. Possible Problems: If your thyme has problems with fungus, thin out thick-growing mats to encourage better air circulation. Provide very good drainage to discourage root rot. Harvesting and Using: Harvest thyme sprigs just before bloom for maximum flavor. You can also harvest earlier and later in the season, but stop harvesting in late summer to discourage winter damage. Use thyme when cooking meat, potatoes, soups, creamed dishes, stuffings, and for teas and wreaths. Related Herbs: Caraway thyme (T. Herba-barona) is a rapidly spreading, low-growing herb with a distinctive aroma. Mother-of-thyme or wild thyme is T. pulegioides, which includes cultivars such as 'Fosterflower', 'Gold Dust', and 'Oregano-Scented'. Other Mother-of-thyme cultivars are 'Annie Hall', 'Coccineus', 'Hall's Woolly', and 'White Moss'. Golden lemon thyme (T. x citriodorus) is a low, spreading shrub. Golden yellow leaves are small and oval and quite fragrant when crushed.