About
Origanum rotundifolium, round-leaved oregano, is a tufted perennial to 20 cm with rounded, greyish leaves 2 cm long. Small, tubular, pink flowers among conspicuous, pale-green bracts form attractive, hop-like heads in summer. A rewarding and ornamental oregano for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden or raised bed.
About the genus
Origanum are herbaceous perennials, deciduous or evergreen subshrubs with aromatic foliage and spikes of small, tubular flowers usually with conspicuous bracts. Widely grown as culinary herbs and ornamental garden plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk
Soil pHAlkaline
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toTurkey
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
PruningCut back old flowered stems in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free