About
Origanum dictamnus, dittany of Crete, is a compact, dome-forming, evergreen subshrub to 15 cm with attractive, arching stems bearing aromatic, rounded, densely felted, grey-green leaves occasionally purple-mottled. Dense, nodding whorls of funnel-shaped, pink flowers among hop-like, purple bracts appear in summer. A beautiful and rewarding ornamental oregano for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
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
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Herbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming, Spreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal
Native torosy-pink flowers 15 mm long are borne in clusters among purplish bracts from spring to autumn over a very long season. A rewarding and ornamental oregano for a sunny
Fragrancewell-drained border.,Origanum are herbaceous perennials
Toxicitydeciduous or evergreen subshrubs with aromatic foliage and spikes of small
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 cold temperatures, suitable for growing in a container in an alpine house. See oregano cultivation for further advice 11918,origanum-laevigatum,Origanum laevigatum,smooth oregano,Origanum laevigatum
Pruningsmooth oregano
Propagationis a woody-based perennial making a loose clump of stems with ovate
Pest resistanceblue-green
Disease resistancearomatic leaves 1�2 cm long. Tubular