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Origanum dictamnus (Dittany of Crete)

Dittany of Crete, Cretan Dittany, Hop Marjoram, Hop Plant, Amaracus dictamnus

Origanum dictamnus, Dittany of Crete, Cretan Dittany, Hop Marjoram, Hop Plant
Origanum dictamnus, Dittany of Crete, Cretan Dittany, Hop Marjoram, Hop Plant

Aromatic and strangely beautiful, Origanum dictamnus (Dittany of Crete) is a bushy sub-shrub forming a spreading mound of small, rounded, fuzzy silvery-white leaves. The leaves have a mild oregano flavor and may be used for seasoning soups, sauces, salads, roasts, vegetables and meats. In summer, it produces whorls of pendulous, pale green, hop-like bracts which mature to showy reddish-purple. Tiny, two-lipped, pink to purple flowers peek out of them. This plant has a long history as culinary and medicinal herb and is mentioned in Greek mythology.

  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Good heat and drought tolerance. Intolerant of high humidity.
  • Low maintenance and relatively disease and pest free, this plant is also deer resistant.
  • An excellent choice for sunny borders, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens or containers.
  • Cut back old flowered stems in early spring to keep the planting tidy and to induce growth of new leaves. Best leaf flavor usually occurs just prior to flowering.
  • Propagate by seed or by division in the autumn or spring.
  • Native to Crete.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Origanum
Common names Oregano, Hop Plant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Origanum ‘Kent Beauty’ (Ornamental Oregano)
Origanum vulgare (Oregano)
Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’ (Golden Oregano)
Origanum vulgare ‘Country Cream’ (Oregano)
Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’ (Oregano)
Origanum vulgare ‘Variegata’ (Oregano)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Cranesbill)
Rosa Gertrude Jekyll (English Rose)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)
Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Shrubs
Plant Family Lamiaceae
Genus Origanum
Common names Oregano, Hop Plant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Origanum (Oregano)
Guides with
Origanum (Oregano)
Not sure which Origanum (Oregano) to pick?
Compare Now

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