Origanum
Origanum
Oregano or Wild marjoram
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Flowering period: June to September
- Foliage: semi-evergreen
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Origanum, commonly known as oregano, is a perennial herb that grows best in well-drained soil, in a warm, sunny position. Small, white or mauve flowers appear in summer. Bees and bumblebees love oregano flowers.
Varieties
Origanum vulgare
Origanum vulgare has ovate, green leaves that are highly aromatic. The fresh leaves or dried leaves can be added to salads, roast meat and pasta sauce. It grows to a height of 40-60cm.
Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’
Smaller at 20-25cm, Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’ forms a compact low mound and produces clusters of tiny, pale pink flowers. Suited as ground cover. It also grows well in pots or containers.
Origanum vulgare ‘Compactum’ Flowers of ‘Compactum ‘
Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
And then there is Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’. It has bright, aromatic, golden leaves with small pink flowers in summer. Expect a height of 30cm and a spread of 30cm. This variety will do best in light shade, out of the full sun.
Pruning
1. How and when to prune Oregano (Origanum ). Trim back in late summer after flowering to keep the plant compact and to stimulate regrowth.
2. Pruning oregano after winter. Cut back old and dead stems to the base of the plant in early spring. New growth will appear again.
Overwinter
Can oregano survive winter. Oregano is hardy. In mild winters oregano will retain its leaves.
A container-grown oregano plant doesn’t like wet conditions during winter. So place it against a wall where it is sheltered from heavy rainfall. During very cold weather cover container-grown oregano with layers of garden fleece.
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