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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Origanum onites
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

pot marjoram

A small, mound-forming, semi-evergreen subshrub, to 60cm tall, with bright green, aromatic leaves. Produces small, white flowers with green bracts in dense whorls in late summer; popular herb for Mediterranean dishes

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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 in well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. In colder areas, may need protection from very low temperatures and excess winter wet. Also suitable for growing in containers that can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse. See oregano cultivation for further advice See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards for further information about RHS plant trials and awards

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division in the autumn or spring

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

Cut back old, flowered stems in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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