About
Origanum calcaratum, dittany of Amorgos, is a low-growing perennial with broadly oval to rounded, aromatic, dark-emerald leaves covered with fine, sometimes woolly, white hairs. In summer, long clusters of pale-green rounded bracts flushed with pink are tipped with small, pale-pink flowers with long, pink stamens. A beautiful and rewarding ornamental oregano for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Origanum are herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen subshrubs with aromatic foliage and spikes of small, tubular flowers usually with conspicuous bracts. Widely grown as culinary herbs and ornamental garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
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, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
Native toGreece
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor or moderately fertile, alkaline, well drained soil in full sun with shelter. Dislikes winter wet and may need protection from low temperatures, suitable for growing in a container in an alpine house. See oregano cultivation for further advice This plant was included in the RHS Origanum (oregano and marjoram) trial 2022-2023
PruningCut back in autumn as foliage dies back
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free