About
A bushy, woody-based perennial, forming a mound to around 30cm high, with small, aromatic, oval-shaped green leaves splashed with yellow. Branched clusters of small pink flowers are produced in summer and early autumn.
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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
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, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet. See oregano cultivation for further advice This plant was included in the RHS Origanum (oregano and marjoram) trial 2022-2023
PruningCut back old flowered stems in early spring, prune out any reverted stems to retain variegation
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free