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herb

Italian Oregano

Origanum x majoricum

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Italian Oregano (Origanum x majoricum) at Minor's Garden Center

Italian Oregano foliage

Italian Oregano foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spread:  15 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Other Names:  Hardy Marjoram

Description:

This variety is noted for its lovely, mild flavour and aroma; does well in sandy loam, good heat and drought tolerance; a perfect addition to the herb garden, and is also great for containers

Edible Qualities

Italian Oregano is an annual herb that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The fragrant oval grayish green leaves are usually harvested from late spring to mid summer. The leaves have a pungent taste and a distinctive fragrance.

The leaves are most often used in the following ways:

  • Cooking
  • Seasoning

Planting & Growing

Italian Oregano will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. This fast-growing annual will normally live for one full growing season, needing replacement the following year.

This plant can be integrated into a landscape or flower garden by creative gardeners, but is usually grown in a designated herb garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Italian Oregano is a good choice for the edible garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

Sizes Available:

3.5" CONT $3.99

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Edging  Garden  Groundcover  Herb  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Texture  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features