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Origanum majorana 'Aureum'

Image of Origanum majorana 'Aureum'

Environmental Horticulture Dept. University of Florida

Family

Lamiaceae

Botanical Name

Origanum majorana 'Aureum'

Plant Common Name

Sweet Marjoram

General Description

This is a pretty, yellow-leaved version of the popular herb, sweet marjoram. It is lower growing than standard marjoram and less vigorous. Its bright foliar color tends not to fade and compliments many other colorful, compact ornamentals.

The aromatic foliage of the Mediterranean native, Origanum majorana, has been used in regional cooking for centuries. Sweet marjoram leaves are used fresh or dried and lend a spicy, sweet, almost piney flavor that compliments vegetables, sauces and meats. Overall, the taste is milder than that of standard oregano. This shrubby perennial herb is evergreen and semi-woody in frost-free climates and deciduous in its northernmost hardiness zones. It spreads by rhizomes and can become quite aggressive if not divided regularly.

This clump-forming herb has upright, branched stems bearing oval, slightly hairy, gray-green leaves. In early to midsummer, clusters of small flowers appear at the stem tips. The tubular, two-lipped blooms may be lavender-pink or white and are supported by gray-green bracts (petal-like leaves). The lightly fragrant flowers are much loved by butterflies and bees. Cut off the dying blooms to prevent seed development and encourage foliar growth.

Grow sweet marjoram in full sun and well-drained soil with average fertility. Neutral to alkaline soil is preferred. Divide plants every two or three years, and share the divisions with herb-loving friends. Marjoram tolerates some drought once established and tends to grow poorly where summers are highly moist and humid. It is only moderately hardy and especially intolerant of cold, wet winter weather.

Easy to grow and pretty, golden sweet marjoram is ideal for containers and rock gardens as well as kitchen gardens and herbal borders.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    10 - 2

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Herb

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    6"-8" / 15.2cm - 20.3cm

  • Width

    12"-18" / 30.5cm - 45.7cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Western Europe, Turkey

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Light Green, Lemon Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow, Light Green, Yellow Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Container, Edging, Edible, Groundcover, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes