Bully thyme is not only an excellent medicinal plant, the perennial is also wonderful in various garden concepts.
Thyme, also known as Quendel, is no stranger to medicinal herbs. However, we usually use the common thyme aka Thymus vulgaris - a real star among medicinal herbs. Other types of thyme are no less suitable for medicinal purposes. Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) even has some very specific medicinal properties. In addition, the wild herb is also ideal for various garden concepts.
Bully thyme differs from its big brother, the common thyme, in its growth height. The dainty, evergreen subshrub grows to a mere 2 to 10 cm, making it a perfect groundcover for a wide variety of garden areas. In addition, its seemingly whorled labial flowers are a strong violet color and are therefore much more conspicuous than the soft white to delicate pink flowers of common thyme. Overall, Thymus serpyllum looks much wilder and more rustic than its famous relative. And its healing effect also differs in parts from that of the "official" medicinal thyme.
Belly Thyme - medicinal effect
Basically, wild thyme has about the same active ingredients as common thyme. These include above all essential oils, thymol, carvacrol, pinene, borneol as well as bitter substances and tannins. They make thyme species extremely efficient medicinal plants against respiratory diseases such as colds or bronchitis. For this purpose, the so-called essential quendel oil (Oleum Serphyllii) is also produced in medicine. It is obtained from the blossoms of wild thyme and is an important component of various bronchial medicines, cough syrups and expectorants.
| Belly Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | carpet-like, mat-like, creeping |
| Growth: | 5 - 10 cm |
| Growth: | 20 - 25 cm |
| Flowering: | June - August |
| Location: | Sun |
| Floor: | dry, well drained, low nutrient requirement |
➔ Wild Thyme atdigestive problems
The disinfecting essences of Thymus serpyllum are also popular against inflammation and infections. There are also areas of application in the area of digestive and nervous disorders. The famous "Herbal Bath from Karwendel" is also considered revitalizing and antipyretic.
➔ Wild thyme in gynecology
Burgundy thyme also has a very special status in gynecology. Because the special composition of active ingredients in the medicinal herb is said to promote menstruation and contractions. Thymus serpyllum is therefore often used for menstrual problems such as period cramps or PMS and to induce childbirth. And even with menopausal symptoms and uterine diseases, the herb is said to have a healing effect.
Burgundy thyme in the garden
Needless to say, wild thyme is a favorite of seasoned herbalists to cultivate. The subshrub is therefore not uncommon in the apothecary's garden or herb garden. However, you can do a lot more with the wild Quendel.
For example, the strong violet blossoms of wild thyme are an ideal addition to the heather garden. The garden planting here usually consists not only of heather herbs, but also of other purple shrubs and subshrubs that like to grow in the barren heath landscape. It is therefore often found here in the heath-rich north, where it even happily climbs the dunes of the North and B altic Seas.
As a ground cover, Thymus serpyllum is also suitable for the rock garden, Mediterranean garden or roof garden. The low-growing subshrub is a real insider tip, especially as a green roof or planting for dry stone walls. Good plant partners are above all other Mediterranean and medicinal herbs such as
- Savory
- Heather
- Lavender
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- sage
- Lemon Balm
Belly Thyme - location and planting
Thymus serpyllum is relatively easy to care for and has quite undemanding site conditions. Unlike common thyme, wild thyme is not only native to the Mediterranean, but also to the cool to temperate regions of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe. Its winter hardiness is correspondingly good and reaches down to -29 °C.
Like most thyme species, wild thyme also prefers sunny and dry to moderately dry locations. The site soil should not only be well drained, but also low in nutrients.Calcareous soils, on the other hand, are tolerated quite well. Gravelly-loamy or sandy-gravelly soils are ideal. The correct pH for Thymus serpyllum is in the acidic range of 4 to 6 points.
➔ Plant wild thyme in 3 steps
1.Even though wild thyme is extremely hardy, young plants should be planted out in spring. In this way, the young subshrubs can still grow well in the ground before winter and establish themselves robustly at the location.
2. It is best to enrich the site substrate with some sand and/or gravel for the needs of the wild thyme. Floor drainage also prevents waterlogging. If the garden soil is too nutrient-rich, you can slightly thin it with lime powder.3. Individual bushes of wild thyme only reach small growth widths of just 20 to 25 cm. The planting distance can therefore be quite small. 20 to 30 cm are quite sufficient, so you can plant up to 15 subshrubs per square meter.
Burgundy thyme - water and fertilize
Burgundy thyme does not actually have to be watered outdoors. Even with longer dry periods, the robust subshrub can arrange itself quite well. Natural precipitation is therefore usually completely sufficient. In particularly dry and hot summers, a weekly watering is sufficient.
It is different with pot cultures. Moisture does not generally stay in planters for very long, which is why the soil dries out faster. So it may have to be watered a little more often here.
In terms of fertilization, Thymus serpyllum is also very undemanding. A handful of compost or organic fertilizer in spring is sufficient and optimally supports the growth of the subshrub.
Pruning and propagating wild thyme
For a particularly compact growth, the wild thyme should be cut back to the ground once a year in spring
. The perennial will then sprout more vigorously and will not lignify as easily. For better branching, it is also advisable to cut off the shoot tips after flowering.If you want to harvest thyme, collect the blossoms during the blooming season from June to August. Fresh leaves of wild thyme can also be harvested and used, for example, as tea herbs or as a spice ingredient for soups, salads and sauces.
➔ Propagating Wild Thyme by Sowing
After flowering, wild thyme develops small nuts. They can definitely be used for propagation. It is best to sow the seeds in late spring, whenthe temperatures are constant 15 to 20 °C. Late frosts should no longer occur, which is why it is best to plan the sowing date after the ice saints. Germination should then take place within 1 to 2 weeks in moist cultivation substrate.
» Tip: As an alternative to controlled sowing, you can also wait for the plant to seed itself.
➔ Propagating Wild Thyme by cuttings
Pruning of Thymus serpyllum is excellent for taking cuttings. To do this, cut off approx. 10 cm long head cuttings in early summer, which are already well lignified. Put the shoots in a pot with potting soil and water the cuttings. The top cuttings should be ready for planting next spring.
➔ Propagating Wild Thyme by root division
Quendel can be divided about every three years. Dividing the roots not only serves to propagate, but also to rejuvenate the subshrub, which then sprout more luxuriantly. To divide, simply dig up the plant in autumn and split the rootstock into two equal parts with a spade or sharp knife. These can then be planted back in the garden straight away.
Beautiful varieties of wild thyme for the garden
Thymus serpyllum is now not only available in purple. Numerous cultivars offer interesting alternatives in terms of flower color. There are also varieties with an extraordinary aroma. Here are a few recommendations:
Wild thyme 'Albus' - white flowers
Wild thyme 'Coccineus' - bright purple-red flowers, reddish autumn leaves
Wild thyme 'Gregor's Weiße' - delicate white flowers
Wild thyme 'Lemon Curd' - pink flowers, aromatic lemon scent
Wild thyme 'Magic Carpet' - violet flowers, very dense flower pile
Belly Thyme - Diseases and Pests
Burgundy thyme is generally considered to be extremely resistant to damage. Its intense ethereal scent successfully keeps numerous pests away. However, aphids and cicadas like to dare and attack the flowers and leaves of the plant. In such cases, it helps to spray the plants with nettle decoction. Because the histamine of the plant not only causes annoying burning in humans, but also in insects.
It is important to leave the nettles in the water for a maximum of 12 hours and not to leave them in for several days as is the case with nettle manure. Because the histamine evaporates quickly and longer-standing extracts are not natural plant protection productsmore useful.
» Tip: As an alternative to nettle stock, you can also try garlic or onion stock.
In terms of plant diseases, mildew occasionally spreads on wild thyme. Infested parts of the plant should be removed immediately and disposed of separately in the household waste. This will prevent further spread in the garden. For after-treatment, you can finally spray the plant with field horsetail broth.