About
A mound-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with attractive, rounded, finely hairy, edible, grey-green leaves that carry a spicy flavour. Whorls of small, two-lipped, white to purple-pink flowers appear in summer.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
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, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Perfectly suited to container growing. 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. If growing for culinary use, remove flowers stems before flowers open to encourage leaf growth
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free