Origanum vulgare (Common oregano)

Botanical name

Origanum vulgare

Other names

Common oregano, Pot marjoram, Wintersweet, Wild marjoram, English marjoram, Grove marjoram

Genus

Origanum Origanum

Species

O. vulgare - O. vulgare is a bushy, woody perennial with upright stems bearing aromatic, rounded to ovate, dark green leaves and, from midsummer into autumn, whorls of small, tubular, pink to white flowers surrounded by leafy, purple-flushed bracts.

Native to

Europe, Northern Africa

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Foliage is aromatic.

Habit

Bushy, Spreading, Upright

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Colour

Flower

Pink, White in Summer; White, Pink in Autumn

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Specific pests

Leafhoppers

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems in early spring.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Origanum vulgare (Common oregano) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Containers, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Meadow, Mediterranean, Wildflower, Wildlife

Cultivation

Prefers gritty, alkaline, sandy loam but will easily tolerate any well-drained soil. Best in full sun but benefits from light afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Tolerates drought. Does not tolerate high humidity.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

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

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Origanum vulgare (Common oregano)

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/