Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an herb that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Oregano (Origanum vulgare).
This plant has several common names including: oregano, wild marjoram, English marjoram, grove marjoram, pot marjoram or wintersweet.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: oregano, wild marjoram, English marjoram, grove marjoram, pot marjoram, wintersweet
Scientific name: Origanum vulgare
Plant type: Herbs, Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Other types of Origanum to consider:
See all Origanum
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Oregano (Origanum vulgare), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Origanum vulgare likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – Federico Lopez Barrachina, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
