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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 GB / Ireland
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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