Origanum vulgare 'Pink Thumbles'

RHS Plant Profile
oregano 'Pink Thimbles'
oregano 'Pink Thimbles' RHS
Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial Herbs - Culinary

A woody-based perennial herb, forming a spreading clump to around 40cm high, with slender, reddish stems and oval-shaped, aromatic yellow-green leaves. Clusters of lilac pink tubular flowers are produced at the tips of the stems in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet. See oregano cultivation for further advice This plant was included in the RHS Origanum (oregano and marjoram) trial 2022-2023 https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards/plant-trial-results/origanum

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in late spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Cut back in autumn as foliage dies back

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free