Origanum vulgare - Oregano - Plant

Description

• Lamiaceae Lamiales
• Europe, to Asia
• H0.6m x W 0.6m
•  Z5 
• Perennial
• Synonyms: wild “Marjoram”, perennial “Marjoram” (this is not Marjoram but Oregano)
• 1 plant bare root

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Details

Perennial plant forming low tufts of aromatic downy leaves above which appears a pink summer flowering, melliferous and very attractive to foraging insects

The whole plant is aromatic, like many Lamiaceae

Common Oregano is grown to be used as a condiment beforehand (one of the plants in the mixture called "Herbes de Provence")

Oregano is perfect with meats and soups, and essential in Mediterranean recipes

It is also used to flavor oil or vinegar by long maceration

More rarely, it is used for the preparation of Herb Tea

Source of a very powerful essential oil (perfumery, aromatherapy), it is an effective insect repellent, and an interesting plant for scenting and deodorizing your home (potpourri, cupboards, bedding)

Oregano is also a medicinal plant, with numerous health properties: Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Odontalgic, Parasiticide, Stimulant, Stomachic, and Tonic

Rare traditional recipes from Italy and Central Europe mention the use of Oregano flowers as a source of dye for Yellows, Beiges and Pinks, depending on the dyeing process that is applied

Cultivation

Plant Origanum vulgare in your aromatic and medicinal garden, to which it will give a nice Mediterranean touch

Find a sunny place, or slightly shaded during hot hours, with loosened and clean soil - any garden soil is suitable

If you plant Oregano in spring or summer, water regularly until recovery

Oregano is a very good ground cover for embankments and uncultivated areas, where it will naturalize among weeds

No care necessary, else than cutting dry stems in autumn-winter

Robust and easy plant, which likes full sun and tolerates drought