The plant known as pebrella It's very interesting: it grows quickly, doesn't have invasive roots, is drought-resistant, and so on. Plus, it's perfect for adding color to your patio or garden. If you're looking for a plant that's easy to care for, the pebrella is one of the best options available. Let's take a closer look at it to find out what it needs to stay healthy.
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is a sub-shrub plant that can reach up to 30 centimeters tall. It is native to the mesomediterranean floor, and its scientific name is Thymus piperellaThis plant is popularly known as olive thyme, pepper thyme, pepper thyme, or simply pepper thyme. Its shape includes erect stems that emerge from the base and ovate, flat, green leaves with short petioles.
The flowers of the pebrella grow in loose whorls, with a glandular calyx and a pink corolla. These beautiful blooms occur during the summer, from July to late September in the Northern Hemisphere, when the plant is at its most beautiful.
What are their cares?
If you decide to have a specimen in your home, it is essential to provide it with the following care:
- Location: Place the pebrella outside, preferably in full sun, as the plant thrives in direct light.
- Earth:
- Flower pot: Use a universal growing substrate mixed with perlite to ensure good drainage.
- Garden: It prefers calcareous soils, which are ideal for its growth. To learn more about suitable soil types.
- Irrigation: It needs watering every 2 or 3 days during the summer, with less watering the rest of the year, since the pebrella is drought resistant.
- Subscriber: From spring to summer, applies ecological fertilizers to promote its growth and flowering.
- Multiplication: Pebrella can be propagated by seed in spring, which is an excellent way to expand your garden.
- Rusticity: It withstands cold and frost down to -4ºC, making it a resistant plant that adapts to different climates.
For what do you use it?
Apart from its use as an ornamental plant, pebrella has a wide range of applications:
- Gastronomy: It is commonly used as a condiment for gazpachos, tomato sauces, meats, stews, rice dishes, marinades and olive dressings. In the Valencian Community, is especially valued in the preparation of traditional dishes.
- Infusions: Pepper leaves can be used to make infusions. Simply boil a dessert spoonful in a cup of water for a few moments.
- Medicinal properties: It is said to have various healing properties, such as being digestive and helping with congestion problems. Its infusions are quite strong, so it's recommended to drink them in moderation.
- Perfumery and restoration: Its essential oils are used in the creation of perfumes and restorative products, highlighting its characteristic and complex aroma.
The pebrella, with its robustness and attractiveness, is a plant that not only beautifies the environment but also contributes flavor and benefits to gastronomy, making it an essential element in the gardens of those who appreciate Mediterranean cuisine.
