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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Origanum syriacum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Synonyms
Origanum 'Z'Attar'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H4
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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