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Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’ (Oregano)

Oregano 'Compactum', Compact Oregano, Compact Marjoram

Origanum vulgare 'Compactum', Oregano 'Compactum', Compact Oregano, Compact Marjoram
Origanum vulgare 'Compactum', Oregano 'Compactum', Compact Oregano, Compact Marjoram

Noted for its dwarf size, Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’ (Oregano) is a bushy, woody-based perennial forming a low cushion of small, aromatic, ovate leaves smothered from midsummer to fall with loose sprays of tiny, pale pink flowers. The leaves have a spicy flavor and are good for cooking meat, fish and pasta. Great for edging, in tubs and mixed containers.

  • Grows up to 6 in. tall (15 cm) and 10-14 in. wide (25-35 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Good heat and drought tolerance. Intolerant of high humidity. Appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
  • 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.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Origanum vulgare is native from Europe to central Asia.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
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 Lamiaceae
Genus Origanum
Common names Oregano, Wintersweet
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 5" - 6"
(13cm - 15cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" - 15"
(25cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, 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 ‘Variegata’ (Oregano)
Origanum ‘Buckland’ (Ornamental Oregano)

Recommended Companion Plants

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ (Cranesbill)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)
Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ (Hakone Grass)

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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 5 - 9
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 Lamiaceae
Genus Origanum
Common names Oregano, Wintersweet
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 5" - 6"
(13cm - 15cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 10" - 15"
(25cm - 40cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, 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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