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.
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
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
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
Frequently asked questions
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.
How big does Origanum vulgare grow?
Origanum vulgare reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Origanum genus
Browse all Origanum →
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