About
Origanum laevigatum, smooth oregano, is a woody-based perennial making a loose clump of stems with ovate, blue-green, aromatic leaves 1�2 cm long. Tubular, rosy-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, well-drained border.
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
Soil pHAlkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Native toSW Asia
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. 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
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free