Origanum vulgare (Common oregano) — Bushy

Overview

Origanum vulgare is a bushy herbs - culinary in the genus Origanum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Origanum vulgare grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and wildlife gardens. It is native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria and Buryatiya.

About

Oregano (US: , UK: ; Origanum vulgare) is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Oregano is a woody perennial plant, growing to 90 cm (35 in) tall, with opposite leaves 1–4 cm (1⁄2–1+1⁄2 in) long. The flowers which can be white, pink or light purple, are 3–4 mm (1⁄8–3⁄16 in) long, and produced in erect spikes in summer. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and west-facing, south-facing, north-facing and east-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Oregano

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: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Origanum vulgare size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Time to full height: 2-5 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Native to: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya
Fragrance: Aromatic, warm, slightly spicy and pungent scent typical of culinary oregano

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Origanum vulgare

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth; remove dead or woody stems in early spring
Propagation: Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Origanum vulgare?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Origanum vulgare?

Origanum vulgare prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Origanum vulgare need?

Origanum vulgare is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.