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Herbaceous Perennial

Origanum laevigatum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

smooth oregano

A woody-based perennial making a loose clump of stems with ovate, blue-green, aromatic leaves 1-2cm in length. Tubular rosy-pink flowers 15mm in length are borne in clusters among purplish bracts from spring to autumn

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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
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Blue Green
Summer Pink Blue Green
Autumn Pink Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Unresolved

Plant range
SW Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil in full sun. See oregano cultivation for further advice. See rhs.org.uk/trials-awards

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

Cut back old flowered stems in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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