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Lamiaceae
Origanum heracleoticum
Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is a brighter, spicier version of its relative, common oregano. This tough herbaceous perennial spreads vigorously via rhizomes. In fact, it can become quite weedy if not regularly maintained. It is a favorite herb for Mediterranean kitchen gardens and is typically used to flavor vegetables, meat, fish and poultry.
The upright stems of this clump-forming plant are lined with small, highly fragrant, oval, hairy leaves that are medium to deep green. The strong oregano fragrance comes from oil-filled hairs along the surface of the leaves, called trichomes. In summer, clusters of small white, flowers appear at the stem tips. These attract many insect pollinators, especially bees and butterflies . Once spent, the flowers should be cut back to keep the plants looking clean and to encourage leaf development rather than seed. Harvest the flowers and leaves by trimming the branches, both are useful in the kitchen.
Full sun and moderate to poor soil with good drainage will suffice for this heat-loving plant. It is not picky. Plants that are too happy are also too rampant. Gardeners remedy this problem several ways. Some plant oregano in large pots to keep them contained. Others simply divide them every two years or so and share the divisions with herb-loving friends.
An herb garden is not complete without oregano. The leaves can be enjoyed fresh or dried and taste excellent in salad dressing or on meat, fish and vegetables. Mix a little crushed oregano, fresh chopped garlic, salt, pepper and lemon juice with some olive oil for a light all-purpose marinade for barbeque.
10 - 2
4 - 9
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Herb
Full Sun, Partial Sun
12"-30" / 30.5cm - 76.2cm
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall
Mediterranean
Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Clump-Forming
Spring, Summer, Fall
Showy
White
Tan
Green
Yes
Single
No
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Container, Edible, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border
Butterflies
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