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Herbaceous Perennial

Origanum calcaratum

dittany of Amorgos

A low-growing perennial with broadly oval to rounded, aromatic deep green leaves covered with fine, sometimes woolly white hairs. In summer, long clusters of pale green rounded bracts flushed with pink are tipped with small, pale pink flowers with long pink stamens

Synonyms

Origanum tournefortii
Amaracus tournefortii

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Plant nurseries
2 suppliers

Ultimate height

0.1–0.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Chalk

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Well–drained

pH

Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun

Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Drought resistance

Yes

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: 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
Plant range: Greece

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 low temperatures, suitable for growing in a container in an alpine house. See oregano cultivation for further advice See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards for further information about RHS plant trials and awards

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, or by basal softwood cuttings in late spring

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
Coastal
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Cut back in autumn as foliage dies back

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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