About
A trailing, semi-evergreen subshrub with aromatic, grey-green foliage and in summer pendent whorls of small, tubular, purple-pink flowers that can last into autumn depending on location; excellent for container attaining show off its cascading blooms.
About the genus
Origanum may be herbaceous perennials or deciduous or evergreen sub-shrubs, with aromatic foliage and spikes of small tubular flowers usually with conspicuous bracts
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk
Soil pHAlkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitTrailing
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Perfectly suited to container growing which shows off its cascading blooms in summer. Dislikes winter wet. See oregano cultivation for more information This plant was included in the RHS Origanum (oregano and marjoram) trial 2022-2023
PruningCut back spent flower stems in early spring
PropagationPropagate by basal cuttings or division in autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free