About
A low-growing, ornamental perennial, with broadly oval, aromatic, grey-green leaves. Long clusters of large, rounded, overlapping bracts, pale green flushed with deep pink, bear small, tubular lilac pink flowers in summer.
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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Hanging basket, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toLebanon
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningCut back in autumn as foliage dies back
PropagationPropagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in late spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free