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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Origanum vulgare 'Compactum'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

compact oregano

A compact, bushy, woody-based perennial forming a low mound to 15cm tall, with small, strongly aromatic, ovate leaves and loose sprays of tiny purple-pink flowers opening from summer to early autumn

Other common names
compact marjoram
Synonyms
Origanum vulgare minor
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 Purple Pink Green
Autumn Purple Pink Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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 a any well-drained (preferably alkaline) soil, in full sun or partial shade. See oregano cultivation 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
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Cut back old, flowered stems in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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