Origanum syriacum
hyssop (of the Bible)
An upright, bushy, evergreen perennial with small, highly aromatic, edible, ovate, grey-green leaves and clusters of tiny, white flowers that appear from late spring into summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump forming
- 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 moderately fertile or poor, alkaline, well drained soil in full sun. Dislikes winter wet. Protect with a dry winter mulch or overwinter under glass or indoors. 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Cut back in autumn
Pests
May be susceptible to leafhoppers
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.