Origanum dictamnus
dittany of Crete
A compact, dome forming, evergreen sub-shrub to 15cm tall, with attractive arching stems bearing aromatic, rounded, densely felted, grey-green, leaves occasionally purple-mottled. Dense, nodding whorls of funnel-shaped pink flowers among hop-like purple bracts, appear in summer
Synonyms
Amaracus dictamnus
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Spreading branched
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor or moderately fertile, alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter. Dislikes winter wet and may need protection from cold temperatures, suitable for growing in a container in an alpine house. See oregano cultivation for further advice Appears on Oregano & Marjoram trials index - see rhs.org.uk/trials-awards
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Cut back spent flower stems in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite and leafhoppers
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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