Origanum laevigatum Herrenhausen - Oregano

Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen', also known as oregano or perennial marjoram, is a vigorous evergreen subshrub that forms a dense and ramified tuft from which many stems covered in flowers emerge from June to September. The tiny pink-purple flowers with purple bracts form a cloud and are abundant in nectar, clearly visible above the aromatic, bluish-purple foliage. A undemanding plant of dry and poor soils par excellence, under intense sunlight, ideal in rock gardens, slopes, perennial borders, or in a simple garden, it is not afraid of summer heat or the rigours of winter.

'Herrenhausen' oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Origanum laevigatum, from which it originates, is native to Cyprus and Turkey, in open and dry environments offered by the scorching rock gardens of the garrigues. It is a bushy and dense plant with woody and running rhizomes, without being invasive. It will form a dense cushion of 50cm (20in) in all directions. Its flowering period is long, from the beginning to the end of summer, more pronounced in June and then in September, depending on the rhythm of the rains. The flowers are very small but countless, gathered in small compact clusters, carried by very thin, reddish-purple stems. They appear pink-purple, highlighted by purple bracts. The whole forms a very decorative dark pink ball. The flowering is melliferous and nectariferous. The foliage is semi-evergreen, evergreen in mild climates, finely aromatic. The leaves measure 1 to 2cm (0 to 1in) long, they are ovate, elliptical, tinged with red in spring and winter, with a pubescent underside along the central vein.

Their Mediterranean origins make oreganos champions of drought, only waterlogged soils deter them. They are excellent plants that are highly appreciated in border plantings due to their good performance and the persistent foliage of some species. 'Herrenhausen' oregano is perfect in rock gardens, alongside thyme, savory, Sedums, dwarf wormwood, or Cistus in gardens further south. It is very ornamental in a gravel garden or herbaceous border. It nourishes bees, is used in cooking, and is part of bouquet compositions.