Thyme, Spanish

This rare and pungent thyme originating from Spain and Portugal is a very attractive, delicate plant with small, resinous leaves and upright branching producing small white blooms. It grows into a compact, nicely shaped mound with a very strong scent. Spanish Thyme is a bit more camphorous than German thyme, but still delicious as a culinary spice. It has been used interchangeably with English and German Thyme for medicinal puposes. Thyme is well known as a cough remedy specific for bronchitis, pertussis and general upper respiratory congestion. Used externally, Thyme is both anti-microbial and anti-fungal and can be used for all sorts of skin rashes, minor scrapes and infections. The essential oil extracted from thyme, Thymol, is used extensively in antiseptic mouthwash, as well as other external applications. This sweet plant is perfect for the rockery or sunny edge of the garden. Prefers well drained, sandier soil. Full sun. Very drought tolerant once established. Perennial. To zone 7.