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.
How to care for Origanum vulgare:
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.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.3m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
-
This herb dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.