Origanum majorana
sweet marjoram
An upright, evergreen, half-hardy, perennial sub-shrub, 30-50cm tall, often grown as an annual or biennial; with aromatic, oval, softly hairy, edible grey-green leaves 1.5cm long and 1cm wide. Small, tubular flowers are held on wiry, somewhat feather-like stems in summer. White, pale pink or mauve flowers are popular with bees and other pollinators
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Pink Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Plant range
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outdoors in moderately fertile to poor, well-drained soils in full sun, or indoors in a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and sharp sand. Protect from excessive winter wet. For more advice see marjoram cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by division or basal softwood cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Cut back old flower stems in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids and red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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