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Herbs - CulinaryHerbaceous Perennial

Origanum vulgare
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

oregano

A bushy, woody-based, aromatic perennial sub-shrub with upright stems, 20-80cm tall with small, opposite leaves. Oval, dark-green leaves are approximately 3cm long. Bears panicle-like, loose clusters of small, 4mm long tubular pink flowers in summer and early autumn. The flowers are loved by bees and pollinators and the leaves are a popular culinary herb

Other common names
English marjoram
grove marjoram
see morepot marjoram
wild marjoram
wintersweet

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
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
Europe, N. Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a any well-drained (preferably alkaline) soil, in full sun or partial shade. See oregano cultivation for further advice Appears on Oregano & Marjoram trials index - see rhs.org.uk/trials-awards

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in the autumn or spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back old, flowered stems in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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