Origanum vulgare
oregano
A bushy, woody-based, aromatic perennial sub-shrub with upright stems, 20-80cm tall with small, opposite leaves. Oval, dark-green leaves are approximately 3cm long. Bears panicle-like, loose clusters of small, 4mm long tubular pink flowers in summer and early autumn. The flowers are loved by bees and pollinators and the leaves are a popular culinary herb
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a any well-drained (preferably alkaline) soil, in full sun or partial shade. See oregano cultivation for further advice Appears on Oregano & Marjoram trials index - see rhs.org.uk/trials-awards
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division in the autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back old, flowered stems in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
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.