Origanum vulgare 'Variegata' (Oregano)
Oregano 'Variegata', Variegated Oregano, Variegated Dwarf Greek Oregano, TriColor Marjoram
Noted for its lovely variegated foliage, Origanum vulgare 'Variegata' (Oregano) is a bushy, woody-based perennial forming a clump of wiry stems clothed with small, aromatic leaves edged with creamy white. The leaves are pleasantly aromatic and good for cooking meat, fish, and pasta. From midsummer to fall, tiny, white to pink tubular flowers are produced in small terminal clusters above the foliage. Even when not in flower, this oregano variety is gorgeous just for its leaves of gold, green, and cream. Great for edging, in tubs and mixed containers, or to brighten up part shade areas of the garden. It will self-seed and slowly spread into a solid ground cover just dense enough to suppress weeds.
- Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 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 flowering stems in early spring to keep the planting tidy and to induce the growth of new leaves. Best leaf flavor usually occurs just prior to flowering.
- Propagate by cuttings of non-flowering shoots in mid-summer 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, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Marta Jonina, 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, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 10" – 1' (25cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |