Origanum syriacum (Bible hyssop)

Botanical name

Origanum syriacum

Other names

Bible hyssop, Biblical-hyssop, Lebanese oregano, Syrian oregano, Zaatar, Zatar, Majorana syriaca, Origanum maru, Za'atar, Ezov, Wild Middle Eastern oregano, Holy hyssop

Genus

Origanum Origanum

Species

O. syriacum - O. syriacum is an upright, bushy, borderline-hardy, evergreen perennial with small, aromatic, softly hairy, oblong to ovate, edible grey-green leaves and clusters of tiny, white flowers from late spring into summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Bushy, Upright

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Colour

Flower

White in Spring; White in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific pests

Aphids , Glasshouse red spider mite , Leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Cut back in autumn.

Propagation methods

Seed, Basal cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Origanum syriacum (Bible hyssop) will reach a height of 0.9m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Mediterranean, Flavouring food and drinks, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Beds and borders, Rock

Cultivation

Grow in poor or moderately fertile, preferably alkaline, well-drained soil in sun. Dislikes winter wet. Protect with a dry winter mulch or overwinter indoors. Flavor is much like a blend of thyme, marjoram, and oregano.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Origanum syriacum (Bible hyssop)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/