Origanum 'Solferino'

RHS

Synonyms

Origanum [Bellissimo]

Herbaceous Perennial

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A low-growing, ornamental perennial, to around 15cm high, with broadly oval, aromatic grey-green leaves. Long clusters of pinkish bracts with tiny, tubular pink flowers are produced 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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
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: Spreading branched, Matforming
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: Accepted

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 and Origanum and Marjoram trial - 2022-2023

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
Hanging Basket
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Rock garden
Wildlife gardens
Banks and slopes
Garden edging
Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back in autumn as foliage dies back

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free