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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Origanum 'French'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

A hardy, vigorous deciduous sub-shrub with moderately aromatic, golden yellow-green foliage and small, tubular white flowers in summer and autumn. A mild flavour

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow
Summer White Green Yellow
Autumn White Green Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well drained, alkaline soil in full sun. See oregano cultivation for more information. See rhs.org.uk/trials-awards

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

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 foliage in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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