Origanum vulgare ‘Variegata’ (Oregano)

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.