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Herbaceous PerennialHerbs - Culinary

Origanum vulgare 'Nanum'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

oregano 'Nanum'

A mat-forming, rhizomatous, woody perennial with upright stems bearing aromatic, dark green leaves. Clusters of small, tubular, pink-purple flowers appear from summer into autumn

Synonyms
Origanum caespitosum

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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
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Pink Purple Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
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
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
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 or partial shade. See oregano cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division in autumn or 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
Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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