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
Get involved
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