Alphabetical Plant Listing

Origanum vulgare (Oregano)

Oregano, Wild Marjoram, English Marjoram, Grove Marjoram , Pot Marjoram, Wintersweet


Origanum vulgare (Oregano) is a bushy, rhizomatous, woody-based perennial with square stems clothed with small, aromatic, rounded to ovate leaves. Each leaf is covered with many glands, which, when broken, exude the familiar fragrance of this herb. From midsummer to fall, loose panicles of tiny, two-lipped, pinkish-purple or white flowers are produced above the foliage. Origanum vulgare contains six subspecies and many cultivars. Some have flavorful leaves that are commonly used, either fresh or dried, as culinary herbs for various dishes, including meats, fish, salads, Greek and Italian dishes, and tomato-based dishes and sauces. The hotter and drier the climate, the more aroma and flavor an oregano variety will have.

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun 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 and rabbit 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 the growth of new leaves. The best leaf flavor usually occurs just prior to flowering.
  • Propagate by seed or by division in the autumn or spring.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Origanum vulgare is native from Europe to central Asia.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 8
Heat Zones 2 – 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Origanum - Oregano
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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Marta Jonina, Kodec, Seramo, 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 4 – 8
Heat Zones 2 – 10
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Herbs, Perennials
Plant Family Origanum - Oregano
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Origanum - Oregano

Guides with Origanum - Oregano

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