Oregano is a tasty herb that is used in Mediterranean dishes, and it is also popular with bees, butterflies, moths and pollinators. In the heatwave of 2022, oregano was the most popular plant with the pollinators in our garden.
Grows to 60cm tall and across in full sun and a well-drained soil, and it will do well in a container placed in a sunny spot.
Flowers from May to June or pick the tips of each branch to delay flowering and harvest the leaves for cooking.
Oregano (Greek) / Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
Position: Flower border / Container
Flowering months: Jul / Aug / Sep
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade
Soil: Loam / Chalk / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes (but avoid heavy clay)
Drainage: Well drained
Life cycle: Perennial (lives for many years)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (in Bristol winters)
Over winter: Dies back (deciduous)
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established