About
An attractive, mound forming, semi-evergreen sub-shrub with aromatic, grey-green leaves and from late summer into autumn pendent whorls of small, tubular, purple-pink flowers with reddish bracts; although edible it is most often grown as an ornamental.
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, Herbs - Culinary
HabitTrailing
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens, Rock garden
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Perfectly suited to container growing. 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 spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free