About
A bushy, woody-based perennial to about 30cm with small, variegated, aromatic, ovate leaves tipped with yellow. Branched clusters of small pink flowers appear in summer and 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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container 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 autumn or spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to leafhoppers
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free