About
A woody-based herbaceous perennial with a tumbling habit to 60cm with small, dainty, soft, aromatic leaves on wine-red wiry stems. Heads of relatively large (2cm long) tubular, pink flowers with deep purple bracts appear from spring through to 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 pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Dislikes 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
PropagationPropagate by division in spring. Propagate by basal cuttings in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free