Silver Queen Thyme Thymus 'Silver Queen' (v)
ABOUT
Thymus 'Silver Queen', commonly known as Silver Queen thyme, is a decorative and aromatic perennial herb with a striking appearance. Its foliage is variegated, featuring soft green leaves edged with creamy white or silvery margins. This variegation gives the plant an overall shimmering effect, as if highlighted by silver. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, often bearing a fine downy texture that is pleasant to touch. Throughout the growing season, Silver Queen thyme might produce small, delicate flowers. These blooms are typically lilac or pale pink, which contrast beautifully against the variegated leaves. The flowers are usually arranged in small clusters and can add a dainty appeal to the foliage-focused display of the plant. Moreover, Silver Queen thyme releases a pleasant fragrance when the leaves are brushed or crushed, adding another layer of sensory experience to its profile. The scent is characteristic of classic thyme, with a strong, herbaceous aroma that is both earthy and slightly minty. This scent contributes to its popularity not just as an ornamental plant, but also as a culinary herb. In terms of habit, Silver Queen thyme forms a low-growing, spreading mound. It branches gracefully and can create a lush, ground-covering mat over time, with the variegated leaves continuously adding texture and color contrast to garden beds or when planted in containers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Silver Queen Thyme, Variegated Lemon Thyme
Common names
Thymus 'Silver Queen' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Thyme, including the 'Silver Queen' variety, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is commonly used as a culinary herb, and there are no significant adverse effects reported from ingesting it in typical food amounts. However, consuming it in extremely large quantities might lead to digestive upset due to the high concentrations of essential oils present in the plant.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, thyme is typically non-toxic to pets as well. It is safe in small, culinary quantities, and there is no prominent concern regarding the toxicity of the 'Silver Queen' variety of thyme for pets like cats and dogs. Ingesting large amounts might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but this scenario is unlikely due to the plant's strong taste deterring pets from consuming it in large volumes.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Use: The leaves of the Thymus 'Silver Queen', commonly known as Silver Queen Thyme, can be used to flavor foods, especially in Mediterranean cuisine.
- Aromatic: Silver Queen Thyme emits a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory appeal of gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Silver Queen Thyme attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Ornamental Value: With its variegated foliage and small, attractive flowers, it serves as an excellent ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Silver Queen Thyme is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is quite resistant to drought, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Groundcover: Its growth habit makes it a good groundcover option, preventing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.
- Edging Plants: Due to its compact size and attractive foliage, Silver Queen Thyme can be used as an edging plant along borders or pathways.
- Container Gardening: It is suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its qualities.
- Herbal Gardens: Silver Queen Thyme fits well into herbal gardens, complementing other herbs both visually and functionally.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Thyme contains thymol, which is known to have antimicrobial properties, thus may be used to help fight bacterial infections.
- Antifungal: Similar to its antimicrobial properties, thyme may also provide antifungal benefits, potentially useful in combating fungal infections.
- Antitussive: Thyme has been traditionally used to ease coughs and is often found in cough syrups and lozenges to alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions.
- Antispasmodic: It may help relieve muscle spasms, which can be beneficial for conditions like dyspepsia or intestinal cramping.
- Expectorant: Thyme may help in clearing mucus from the airways, making it easier to cough up, which can be relieving during a respiratory infection.
- Carminative: It is believed to have properties that reduce gas and bloating, helping to settle digestive discomfort.
- Antioxidant: Thyme contains various compounds with antioxidant properties, which can help in neutralizing free radicals and supporting overall health.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Accent: The variegated leaves of Silver Queen thyme can be used as a decorative garnish on food, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
- Natural Dye: The leaves and flowers of the Silver Queen thyme can be boiled to extract natural dyes for fabric or wool, giving a range of colors from greens to browns depending on the mordant used.
- Plant Companionship: Silver Queen thyme can be planted between pavers or stepping stones in garden paths where its fragrance is released when trodden on, and it can help deter weeds as well.
- Craft Projects: Dried Silver Queen thyme sprigs can be used in making potpourris or as part of a dried herb wreath for a rustic home decoration.
- Insect Repellent: The strong scent of Silver Queen thyme can be used to deter insects when placed in wardrobes or drawers.
- Relaxation Aid: Incorporating Silver Queen thyme in sachets and placing them under pillows may help in creating a relaxing sleep environment.
- Seed Saving: Growers can collect seeds from Silver Queen thyme for propagation and trading with other garden enthusiasts.
- Moth Repellent: Dried bunches of Silver Queen thyme can be hung in closets to ward off moths from clothing.
- Soil Health: As a groundcover, Silver Queen thyme can help reduce soil erosion in certain landscapes.
- Photography Prop: The delicate variegated foliage can serve as a beautiful natural prop in close-up and macro photography for texture and color contrast.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Thyme is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Thyme is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Courage: Thymus, commonly known as "thyme," has historically been a symbol of courage, as it was believed to be a source of bravery and strength, particularly during the medieval and Roman eras.
- Strength: This resilient herb represents strength, not just because of its hardy nature that allows it to thrive in difficult conditions, but also due to its enduring and potent flavor that persists in cooking.
- Healing: Thyme is known for its medicinal properties, thus symbolizing healing. It has been used for antiseptic purposes since ancient times and is still associated with health and restoration.
- Cleansing: There's a historical association of thyme with purification, often used in ancient practices for cleansing rooms or spaces, signifying the symbolic nature of thyme to clear negativity.
- Psychic Powers: In some cultures, thyme is believed to be connected with the realm of the etheric and is thought to enhance psychic abilities and provide insight into the invisible.
- Passing into the Afterlife: Thyme has often been included in funerary rituals and on graves with the belief that it assists in the safe passage of the deceased into the afterlife.
- Affection: Giving someone thyme can be a symbol of affection, as the plant is durable and evergreen, hinting at a love or friendship that endures the tests of time.
WaterSilver Queen Thyme should be watered deeply enough to soak the root zone, followed by a period of drying out which will depend on the climate and soil type. Typically, watering once a week can suffice but may need to increase to twice a week during extremely hot or dry periods. A general recommendation for container-grown plants is to provide water until it runs from the drainage holes, which could be around a half to one gallon depending on the pot size. In-ground plants will need a more variable amount based on rainfall and soil drainage, but maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging is key. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure soil dries slightly between watering.
LightSilver Queen Thyme thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An optimal spot would be in a south-facing garden if located in the Northern Hemisphere. It can tolerate some light shade but too much could result in a less dense growth and fewer flowers. Providing adequate light is essential for maintaining the plant's vibrant foliage and encouraging healthy growth.
TemperatureSilver Queen Thyme prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from just above freezing, around 33 degrees Fahrenheit, to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme cold or heat may damage the plant or impact its growth. To ensure robust growth, placing the plant where it can enjoy moderate temperatures most of the year is ideal.
PruningPruning Silver Queen Thyme is important for maintaining its shape and encouraging bushier growth. It should be pruned in the early spring to remove any dead or woody stems and again after flowering to promote new growth. Pruning can be done by simply pinching back the tips of the plant or using clean shears to trim it into shape. Generally, pruning two to three times a year is adequate.
CleaningAs needed
Soil'Silver Queen' Thyme thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mixture of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite is ideal. This ensures good drainage and aeration, which is crucial for the plant's root health.
Repotting'Silver Queen' thyme should be repotted every two to three years. This is typically sufficient since it is a relatively slow-growing plant and it also prevents the compacting of the soil, which can negatively affect its drainage.
Humidity & Misting'Silver Queen' Thyme prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It is well-adapted to the typical humidity conditions found in most homes and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place 'Silver Queen' Thyme in bright, indirect sunlight indoors.
Outdoor
'Silver Queen' Thyme needs full sun and well-draining soil outside.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThymus 'Silver Queen', commonly known as Silver Queen Thyme, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. The seedling stage is followed by the establishment of a robust root system and leaf development. In its vegetative stage, the plant expands through a mat-forming habit, producing gray-green leaves edged with creamy white, and becomes a perennial herb. Once mature, it flowers in late spring to early summer, displaying small, lilac to pink blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds which can be dispersed to produce new plants, completing its reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, Silver Queen Thyme is often pruned to encourage bushy growth and may undergo periods of dormancy in colder climates.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Thymus 'Silver Queen', commonly known as variegated lemon thyme, is typically propagated through stem cuttings, a method that is both popular and efficient for this perennial herb. For best results, cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 2- to 4-inch (5-10 cm) piece, making the cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is beneath the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a bright, indirect light area. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to more direct light and eventually transplanted outdoors if desired.
