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ShrubsHerbs - Culinary

Origanum dictamnus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dittany of Crete

A compact, dome forming, evergreen sub-shrub to 15cm tall, with attractive arching stems bearing aromatic, rounded, densely felted, grey-green, leaves occasionally purple-mottled. Dense, nodding whorls of funnel-shaped pink flowers among hop-like purple bracts, appear in summer

Other common names
dittany of Crete
hop marjoram
see morehop plant
Synonyms
Amaracus dictamnus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Pink Purple Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Spreading branched
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

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor or moderately fertile, alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter. Dislikes winter wet and may need protection from cold temperatures, suitable for growing in a container in an alpine house. See oregano cultivation for further advice Appears on Oregano & Marjoram trials index - see rhs.org.uk/trials-awards

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Coastal
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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