About
A compact, bushy, woody-based perennial forming a low mound to 15cm tall, with small, strongly aromatic, ovate leaves and loose sprays of tiny purple-pink flowers opening from summer to early autumn.
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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a any well-drained (preferably alkaline) soil, in full sun or partial shade. See oregano cultivation This plant was included in the RHS Origanum (oregano and marjoram) trial 2022-2023
PruningCut back old, flowered stems in early spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division in the autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free