Origanum dictamnus (Dittany of Crete)
Dittany of Crete, Cretan Dittany, Hop Marjoram, Hop Plant, Amaracus dictamnus
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.
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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 | Origanum - Oregano |
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" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Michalis Koulieris, Nadezhda Kharitonova, Shutterstock
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.
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 | Origanum - Oregano |
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" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |