Origanum vulgare (Italian Oregano)

GIAB:

Mature Height: 12-18” Mature Spread: 12-18” Hardy To: 8,000’

Water: Low
Exposure: Full Sun
Flower Color: Lavender-Pink
Flower Season: Summer
Description: Italian Oregano is a stunningly handsome and deliciously flavorsome perennial with gorgeous lavender-pink flowers and stiff, woody stems that can be purplish in color. It
can be planted as a flowering beauty, a culinary herb or both! It
is a perfect option for a raised bed or at the edges of a perennial flower garden. You’ll find its inviting aroma and delicate flavor at the heart of many beloved Italian, Greek and Mexican dishes. It is a vigorous plant with long, creeping roots that spread out to find moisture, and once established is relatively drought tolerant. Its foliage can be harvested when the plant is just 6 inches high, and it can last about 5 years as a useful culinary plant and longer as an ornamental plant.
Care: Prefers bright sunny areas but it can take some morning or afternoon shade. It thrives best in moist, well-drained soils. For ideal growth, it prefers moderate fertile soil so adding some com- post or organic material is advised but only sparingly as too much fertilizer can weaken the plant and reduce the aroma and flavor. Be sure to water thoroughly allowing the water to deeply penetrate the soil. This plant prefers to dry out between waterings. Once established, it needs very little maintenance.
Fun Fact: Oregano has strong sedative properties . A mild tea of the leaves can be used to soothe nerves, aid sleep, relieve respira- tory and digestive complaints, as a tonic, a diuretic and in com- presses or lotions to heal external wounds and headache.