Origanum
( oh - RIG - ah - num )
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At-A-Glance InformationThis genus includes herbaceous perennial plants and subshrubs native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Plants are strongly aromatic and produce large amounts of flowers in spring and summertime. Species in the genus are typically used as ornamental plants or added to vegetable or herb gardens.
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Origanum Species and Varietals
The genus Origanum is amember of the plant family Lamiaceae, and includes 54 species. The growing zones for these plants vary depending on the species; for more information, consult the information below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Origanum amanum (Amanum Oregano) This species, native to Turkey, forms an evergreen subshrub that reaches between 4 and 8 inches tall and a foot wide. Leaves are strongly aromatic, and clusters of pink flowers appear in summer and fall. These plants are used as culinary herbs or as groundcovers for sunny areas of the landscape. The specific epithet refers to the Amanus Mountains in Turkey, where the plant is commonly found. |
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Origanum dictamnus (Dittany of Crete, Cretan Dittany, Hop Marjoram) This tender perennial reaches between 8 and 12 inches tall when mature, and is native to Crete, Greece. It is used as a food flavoring, and is also grown as a landscape ornamental in gardens. Foliage is covered in soft grey-white hairs and has a velvety texture. Flowers are tiny and rose-pink with bright purple-pink bracts. |
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Origanum laevigatum This species grows from a woody base, and produces strongly aromatic leaves and loose clusters of pink-purple flowers with purple bracts that last through the summer months. It is native to Cyprus, Turkey, and Syria, and is used as a culinary herb and as a groundcover. Cultivars include 'Rosenkuppel' and 'Herrenhausen'. |
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Origanum libanoticum (Lebanese Oregano, Hopflower Oregano, Cascading Hopflower Oregano, Ornamental Oregano, Cascading Oregano) This species is prized for its attractive foliage as well as its pink bracts and flowers which bloom from summer through fall. These small perennials reach up to 12 inches tall and a bit wider, and leaves are fragrant. Flowers are great in dried arrangements. |
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Origanum majorana (Marjoram, Sweet Marjoram, Knotted Marjoram, Pot Marjoram) This species is native to Cyprus, the Mediterranean, Turkey, Western Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Levant. It produces smooth leaves and is considered a tender perennial. This species is typically grown in pots, as it has a tendency to spread prolifically and take over areas of garden. Leaves are used as a seasoning for soups, stews, salads, sauces, teas, and sausages. |
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Origanum onites (Cretan Oregano, Greek Oregano, Pot Marjoram, Elliniki Rigani) This species is native to Sicily, Greece, and Turkey, and has similar flavoring to common oregano. Flavor is a bit spicy, and is great for adding to pizzas. Both leaves and flowers are used fresh and dried; the best flavor is held within unopened flower buds. |
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Origanum rotundifolium (Round-Leaved Oregano) This flowering plant is native to Turkey, Armenia, and Georgia and is a small, woody-based perennial plant that reaches up to 12 inches tall and just as wide. Leaves are strongly aromatic, and loose clusters of pink flowers bloom through the summer months. This species is used as an ornamental groundcover plant as well as a culinary herb in gardens. |
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Origanum syriacum (Bible Hyssop, Biblical Hyssop, Lebanese Oregano, Syrian Oregano) This species is the primary ingredient in the spice mixture Za'atar. Plants reach a bit over three feet tall when mature, and produce small white to pale pink flowers in summertime. |
Oreganum vulgare (Oregano, Wild Marjoram)
This species is a very popularly cultivated herb around the world, and is native to the Mediterranean region. It forms a woody plant that reaches up to 31 inches tall and produces white, pink, or light purple flowers on erect spikes in summertime. There are six subspecies of Oregano, and many cultivars, including:
This species is a very popularly cultivated herb around the world, and is native to the Mediterranean region. It forms a woody plant that reaches up to 31 inches tall and produces white, pink, or light purple flowers on erect spikes in summertime. There are six subspecies of Oregano, and many cultivars, including:
'Aureum'
With golden foliage (best color in full sun) that has a mild taste. |
'Greek Kaliteri'
Forms a compact, hardy plant with silvery-haired leaves with purple undersides. Pungent flavor. |
'Hot & Spicy'
Highly aromatic scented leaves that have a spicy flavor. Great for pizzas. |
'Nana'
Mature height is just 10 inches tall for these plants. |
Caring for Origanum
Harvesting Oregano and Marjoram
Propagation
Bixia orellana seed pods are bright red.
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When seeds are mature, seed pods will open.
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Problems and Pests
?? plants are typically pest and disease free. For more information on common garden problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
Gallery
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Videos
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All about Lipstick Trees.
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How to care for a Lipstick Tree in the garden.
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