Overview

Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' is a bushy, trailing perennial in the genus Origanum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with semi-evergreen, deciduous foliage. Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and containers. It is native to Cyprus, Syria and Turkey.

About

Origanum laevigatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Cyprus, Syria, and Turkey. Growing to 50–60 cm (20–24 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, it is a woody-based perennial, with strongly aromatic leaves, and loose clusters of pink funnel-shaped flowers with persistent purple bracts, throughout the summer.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Origanum laevigatum

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

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Origanum

Sunlight
full sun
Soil type
well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
dry to medium
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
perennial
Habit
Bushy, Trailing
Foliage
Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
Suggested uses
rock gardens, borders, containers
Native to
Cyprus, Syria, Turkey
Fragrance
aromatic leaves

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'

Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid winter wet. Can be grown in pots.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation
Cuttings, division
Pest resistance
Leafhoppers, Aphids, Red spider mite
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'?

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Avoid winter wet. Can be grown in pots.

Where is the best place to plant Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'?

Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' need?

Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.

How do I prune Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' hardy in the UK?

Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'?

Cuttings, division.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Origanum genus

Browse all Origanum →