Overview
Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' is a bushy, woody-based perennial sub-shrub perennial in the genus Origanum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with aromatic, opposite leaves foliage. Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' grows best in full sun and partial shade, 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, partial shade
- 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 'Kent Beauty' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Woody-based perennial sub-shrub
- Foliage
- Aromatic, Opposite leaves
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, borders, containers
- Native to
- Cyprus, Syria, Turkey
- Fragrance
- aromatic leaves
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
- Propagation
- semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Leafhoppers
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty'?
Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty'?
Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' need?
Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' 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 'Kent Beauty'?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Is Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' hardy in the UK?
Origanum laevigatum 'Kent Beauty' 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 'Kent Beauty'?
Semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Origanum genus
- Origanum 'Kent Beauty'
- Origanum Bristol Cross
- Origanum amanum var. albumAmanum Oregano
- Origanum marjoranaSweet Marjoram