Description
Origanum ‘Thumble variety’
perennial
comes in 1 and 2 gallon pots
Origanum – Marjoram – Oregano – Majorana –
There are about 20 species of rhizomatous, summer flowering, herbaceous perennial and deciduous and evergreen subshrubs in this genus. They occur in open habitats, often in mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and temperate Asia. They have spreading to upright stems bearing simple, aromatic leaves in opposite pairs, and inflorescences in spike whorls, which are sometimes panicle or corymb like. The elongated, tubular or funnel shaped, 2 lipped flowers are amid conspicuous, often brightly colored overlapping bracts, which remain attractive for many weeks. Some origaniums, including O. dictamnus, O. majorana, O. onites, and O. vulgare and their cultivars, are used as culinary herbs. Grow smaller species in a rock garden, scree bed, or at the front of a border, grow larger ones in a herbaceous border or herb garden. All attract bees and other insects.
Grow in full sun in poor to moderately fertile, well drained, preferably alkaline soil. Grow dwarf perennials and subshrubs in free draining soil. Some resent winter moisture. Divide perennials in spring.
zones 4-8
