About
This vigorous, reliable woody-based perennial to 30cm in height, forming a spreading clump of wiry stems bearing broadly ovate, perfumed, bright golden-yellow leaves. Pale pink tubular flowers in small terminal clusters appear in summer through to autumn. A warm flavour.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Clump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Rock garden, Mediterranean climate plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a any well-drained (preferably alkaline) soil, in full sun or partial shade. 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 cuttings of non-flowering shoots in mid-summer or by division in the autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free