Headed Savory, Thymus
Thymus capitatus

Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

What it is like

Thymus capitatus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Dry, usually calcareous soils.

Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The plant is sometimes used as a condiment. An essential oil from the plant is used for flavouring baked goods, condiments, beverages, ice creams etc. It is called 'Spanish oregano oil'. Leaves - raw in salads or added as a flavouring to cooked foods. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves. If the leaves are to be dried, the plants should be harvested in early and late summer just before the flowers open and the leaves should be dried quickly.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves, and especially the essential oil contained in them, are strongly antiseptic, deodorant and disinfectant. The plant can be used fresh at any time of the year, or it can be harvested as it comes into flower and either be distilled for the oil or dried for later use. The essential oil should not be used in aromatherapy because it is highly irritant to the mucous membranes.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Deodorant: Masks smells. Is this medicinal?

Disinfectant: Used for cleaning wounds.

Other

Rating:

The essential oil, known as 'Spanish oregano oil', obtained from the leaves is also used in perfumery and soaps, as a mouth wash, medicinally etc.

Deodorant: A pleasant smelling plant that is used on the body to mask the human smell.

Disinfectant: Plants used for disinfecting.

Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a light, well-drained calcareous soil and a sunny position. Thymes dislike wet conditions, especially in the winter. A layer of gravel on the soil around them will help protect the foliage from wet soils. Plants are hardy to about -10°c. This species used to be cultivated as a culinary herb in the herb garden but it has now fallen into disuse. The flowers are rich in nectar and are very attractive to honey bees. The growing plant is a beneficial companion for most plants. The plant is powerfully pungent when handled. This is a very difficult genus taxonomically, the species hybridize freely with each other and often intergrade into each other.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Seed can also be sown in autumn in a greenhouse. Surface sow or barely cover the seed. Germination can be erratic. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring. Cuttings of young shoots, 5 - 8cm with a heel, May/June in a frame. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Layering.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Coridothymus capitatus. Satureia capitata.