Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.