Origanum 'Bristol Cross'
An attractive, mound forming, semi-evergreen sub-shrub with aromatic, grey-green leaves and from late summer into autumn pendent whorls of small, tubular, purple-pink flowers with reddish bracts; although edible it is most often grown as an ornamental
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Red Pink Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- 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 any well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. Perfectly suited to container growing. Dislikes winter wet. See oregano cultivation for more information. See RHS Trials rhs.org.uk/trials-awards
Propagation
Propagate by basal cuttings or division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Rock garden
Pruning
Cut back spent flower stems in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to leafhoppers
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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