Overview
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' is a bushy, clump forming herbs - culinary in the genus Origanum, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates chalk and loam 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 Mediterranean region.
About
Oregano, sometimes called wild marjoram, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere, particularly the United States and Mexico.
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
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 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
- Mediterranean region
- Fragrance
- Aromatic, spicy, oregano scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'?
Grow in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'?
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' need?
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' grows best in chalk and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'?
Trim back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
How big does Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' grow?
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' hardy in the UK?
Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.
More in the Origanum genus
- Origanum 'Kent Beauty'
- Origanum Bristol Cross
- Origanum amanum var. albumAmanum Oregano
- Origanum marjoranaSweet Marjoram