About
Origanum 'Kent Beauty' is a cultivated form of Origanum in the mint family, grown for its aromatic foliage and the long-lasting, decorative bracts that surround its tubular flowers. It is a herbaceous perennial or subshrub with the scent typical of the genus. The plant flowers from July to September. The cultivar has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
About the genus
Origanum is a genus of herbaceous perennial flowering plants and subshrubs in the family Lamiaceae. They are native to Europe, North Africa, and much of temperate Asia, where they are found in open or mountainous habitats. A few species also naturalized in scattered locations in North America and other regions.
Wikipedia contributors, "Origanum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Origanum
In the garden
Origanum 'Kent Beauty' belongs to the genus Origanum (family Lamiaceae), a group of herbaceous perennials and subshrubs native to Europe, North Africa and much of temperate Asia. Members of the genus are noted for strongly aromatic leaves and abundant tubular flowers accompanied by long-lasting coloured bracts, traits that make some cultivars as suitable for ornamental use as they are botanically interesting. Use the plant where its summer display of bracts can be seen and smelled: the flowering season runs from July to September. Because Origanum species are typically found in open or mountainous habitats, this cultivar performs well in exposed positions that allow its scent and floral bracts to be appreciated. It is also commonly grown for its decorative bracts in borders and mixed gravel or rock plantings where airflow helps preserve foliage quality. The cultivar's value in planting schemes is underlined by the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, reflecting reliable performance under UK conditions. Expect the seasonal bract display to be the main feature through late summer, providing architectural interest once flowering begins.
