Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Oregano is a culinary herb that is both tasty and attractive. Small, rounded to oval, grey-green leaves are very aromatic and pungent, forming irregular mounds (about 12 to 18 inches tall and wide) that are sort of upright and creeping. Clusters of tiny rosy pink to white flowers appear all summer, and attract pollinators and beneficial insects. The foliage is used for flavor foods, but the flowers are also edible, and provide a more subtle flavor and an attractive appearance. A lovely and tasty garden addition. There are a number of species and subspecies available, with varying flavors but the same robust constitution.

Grow in well drained, average to dry soil in full sun. Tolerant of poor, rocky, shallow soils. Heat and drought tolerant. Will grow in a compost-amended soil but it needs to drain well and not be too rich. Too much nitrogen will cause the plant to grow vigorously and be leggy, but it will lose flavor and pungency. Use leaves fresh or dried, and use the flowers fresh. It has a spreading habit, though not aggressively so.