Origanum vulgare

A small, clump-forming evergreen perennial growing to 0.3m tall and up to 1m wide.

A herb with aromatic rounded to ovate dark green leaves. In summer, panicles of tubular pale or dark pink to white flowers are produced with whorls of green bracts.

Prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Oregano is a Mediterranean plant so loves the sun and once established, will tolerate dry conditions.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants and plant after autumn rains. Before planting, ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow-release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic-based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre as new growth begins.

Apply an organic mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square metre in spring as new growth begins. Spent flower stems can be trimmed back with shears to keep the plant neat. Division of plants in winter is easy as oregano roots down as it grows so, just lift plants and tease apart with your hands or a garden fork.

The flowers attract plenty of beneficial insects to the garden.

A great companion for cabbages.

Herb Garden