Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by Friends School Plant Sale

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Origanum vulgaris ssp. hirtum

Also Known As

Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum 'Greek'
Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
Greek Oregano
True Greek Oregano
Winter Marjoram

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Origanum vulgaris ssp. hirtum plant details

Origanum vulgaris ssp. hirtum is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial herb with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Origanum vulgaris ssp. hirtum

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, culinary, fragrant foliage

GROWING CONDITIONS for Origanum vulgaris ssp. hirtum

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Oregano of Italian fame, Greek Oregano is a highly fragrant and easily grown perennial herb used widely in Italian, Greek, and Mediterranean foods. Fuzzy medium to olive green foliage adorns the generally trailing stems.

By: Almost Eden

The most flavourful of the oreganos, 'Greek' has small leaves on a compact plant with small clusters of white flowers. Use fresh, dried or frozen. Useful in many Mediterranean cuisines.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The ancient Greeks believed the Goddess Aphrodite created oregano’s spicy scent as a symbol of happiness & so they crowned bridal couples with oregano wreaths. Not a bad reason to grow this most flavorful of the oreganos. To about 18” tall & 2’-3’ spread, it has slightly hairier foliage & broader leaves than plain O. vulgaris. This variety, which is native to the Mediterranean, makes an attractive edging plant or excellent pot herb. It blooms with little white flowers in Summer, but you should keep it trimmed to prevent bloom and encourage leaf production. Unless, of course, you want to make the neighborhood bees deliriously happy, in which case, go ahead & let it bloom. Not fussy about soil, but does want good drainage (NO CLAY). Cut stems to ground in Winter/early Spring. Grows gradually woody & should be replaced or divided every 3-4 years.