WIld marjoram is a native British wildflower of chalk grasslands and its flowers are hugely popular with pollinators while the leaves provide food for caterpillars (they won't destroy it!). It is also known as oregano, the tasty herb used in Mediterranean dishes. In the heatwave of 2022, oregano was the most popular plant with the pollinators in our garden.
Grows to 50cm tall and across in full sun and a well-drained soil, and it will do well in a container placed in a sunny spot. The small pink flowers appear from June to September.
Wild Marjoram / Origanum vulgare
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
