About
A small, mound-forming, semi-evergreen subshrub, to 60cm tall, with lime green, aromatic leaves. Produces small, white flowers with green bracts in dense whorls in late summer; popular herb for Mediterranean dishes.
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, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildflower meadow
Native toMediterranean
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. In colder areas, may need protection from very low temperatures and excess winter wet. Also suitable for growing in containers that can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. 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 or by division in the autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free