What hardiness zones is Origanum vulgare suitable for?

Origanum vulgare is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Origanum vulgare?

Origanum vulgare requires Full Sun.

How much water does Origanum vulgare need?

Origanum vulgare has Low water needs.

Herbs

Origanum vulgare

Oregano

Lamiaceae

Mediterranean region, western and Central Asia; rocky, well-drained soils and dry grasslands

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitMounding

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Width18–24 inches (45–60 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 10

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Butterflies

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (strong)

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Origanum vulgare is a woody-based perennial herb native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. Plants reach 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) wide; growth rate is moderate. The habit is mounding, with erect to sprawling stems becoming woody at the base with age. Leaves are oval to elliptic, 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) long, dark green above, glandular, with a pungent aromatic scent strongest in hot, dry conditions. Flowers appear in July–September in dense, small clusters subtended by reddish-purple bracts; individual flowers are tubular, two-lipped, pink to purple, 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) long. Flavor intensity varies significantly among plants grown from seed — vegetatively propagated selections or specifically labeled culinary varieties provide more consistent flavor. In Pacific Northwest conditions, performance is best in full sun with excellent drainage; plants decline in wet, heavy soils or shade. The species is partially deciduous in cold winters in zones 5–6; established plants regenerate reliably from the base.

Native Range

Origanum vulgare is native to the Mediterranean region, western Asia, and Central Asia, typically in rocky, well-drained soils, dry grasslands, and scrubland at low to moderate elevations. It is not native to the Pacific Northwest.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens, raised beds, rock gardens, and container plantings for culinary harvest throughout the growing season. The reddish-purple flower bracts and pink flowers provide ornamental value in summer. Suitable for dry-garden plantings and south-facing slopes with excellent drainage. A 12-inch (30 cm) container is sufficient for container culture.

How to Identify

Origanum vulgare is identified by its mounding, woody-based perennial habit; oval to elliptic, dark green, strongly aromatic leaves 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm); dense clusters of small pink-to-purple tubular flowers with reddish-purple bracts in July–September; and distinctive pungent oregano scent when leaves are crushed. Distinguished from Thymus by the larger leaves and taller, more upright habit; distinguished from Majorana hortensis (sweet marjoram) by the more pungent scent and taller stature.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 2'

Width/Spread1'6" - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

pink

purple

Foliage Colors

dark green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

SummerFall

Pink to purple tubular flowers, 0.2–0.3 inch (5–8 mm) long, appear in dense terminal clusters subtended by reddish-purple bracts from July through September. Individual flowers are two-lipped; bracts are often more colorful than the petals. Bloom period lasts 6–10 weeks. Bees and other pollinators visit flowers regularly.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

pink to purple with reddish-purple bracts

Foliage Description

dark green, glandular, aromatic

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsandrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil; excellent drainage is essential — plants decline rapidly in wet, heavy, or waterlogged soils. Water weekly until established; once established, drought-tolerant. Avoid high-fertility or wet soils, which produce lush growth with reduced flavor concentration. Cut back stems by one-half to two-thirds in early spring before new growth to remove winter-killed wood and maintain compact form. Harvest leaves before and during flowering for peak flavor. Divide every 2–3 years to maintain vigor.

Pruning

Cut back to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in early spring to remove winter-damaged wood and stimulate vigorous new growth. Shear lightly after flowering in late summer to maintain compact form. Harvest stems frequently throughout the growing season; frequent cutting delays flowering and maintains vegetative growth.

Pruning Schedule

early springsummerfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

transplant

Indoor Start

8 weeks before last frost

Days to Maturity

80–90 days

Plant Spacing

12 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

tomatoes

peppers

squash

beans

broccoli