This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

• Position: full sun
• Soil: poor to moderately fertile, well-drained, preferably alkaline soil
• Rate of growth: slow to average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Loose clusters of pale pink or white flowers from mid-summer to early autumn and strongly aromatic, dark green leaves. Oregano is an essential plant for a well-stocked, sunny herb garden. The leaves are an important ingredient of pizza toppings and sauces and may be marinaded to make a flavoured oil, for use in salad dressings.
  
  
• Garden care: Ensure that plants are well watered during the growing season. Cut back established plants by two-thirds in late summer to prevent them from becoming too straggly.