Thymus herba-barona
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Tried and True Recommended by 2 Professionals
Common Name: caraway thyme
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Corsica, Sardinia
Height: 0.25 to 0.5 feet
Spread: 0.75 to 1 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, Lavender
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Fragrant
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Deer
Uses: Culinary Herb, Groundcover, Suitable as Annual, Will Naturalize

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates drought and poor soils of somewhat low fertility. Loose, sandy or rocky soils with excellent drainage are best. Dislikes moist to wet soils where it tends to rot. Cut back stems as necessary to maintain plant appearance or to control growth/spread or to limit unsightly woody stem growth. Plants are evergreen in mild winter climates.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Caraway thyme is a creeping, woody based perennial which is used as an ornamental ground cover and/or as a culinary herb. Numerous, thin, somewhat woody stems form a prostrate mat (2-3" tall). Stems are covered with tiny, pointed, glossy dark-green leaves (to 1/4"). Leaves have a strong scent of caraway and may be used to flavor a variety of culinary dishes including potato salads, vegetables, or meats. The English reportedly used this herb to flavor barons of beef, thus giving rise to the species name. Clusters of tiny, tubular, deep pink flowers appear in summer. Flowers are attractive to bees.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Susceptible to root rot, particularly in moist, poorly-drained soils.

Garden Uses

Herb gardens, containers. May be sprawled over small rocks or ledges in rock gardens or over walls. Also effective as a small area ground cover.

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