Photo of Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' foliage by plant lust

Photo by plant lust

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

Show all photos

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

Also Known As

  • Origanum vulgare 'Golden'
  • Origanum vulgaris aurea
  • Golden Oregano
  • Ornamental Oregano

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, herb

size

  • H: 3"-4"
  • W: 12"-16"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' plant details

Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover herb with chartreuse foliage. In summer lavender, pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and beneficial insects making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

Plant type: perennial groundcover herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen chartreuse
Mature size: 12 IN - 16 IN - wide, 3 IN - 4 IN - tall
Flowers: lavender, pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: culinary, edging plant, edible, fragrant foliage, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A useful, wonderfully fragrant edger or wall-spiller with golden leaves through much of the year and well into fall. Once established it will completely suppress weeds. The fragrant foliage has a mild flavour and can be used for culinary purposes including as a bright garnish.
Prostrate culinary perennial with bright green gold-tinged foliage and violet-purple flowers. Plants reach 3" tall and spread to 12" across. Trim back after flowering to maintain a tidy form. Hardy to 0F. Europe.
A spreading perennial herb growing to a height of 4", spreading to 16"..lavender flowers blooming in summer..likes sun.

Gardening facts about Origanum vulgare 'Aureum' plant

How to Grow Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • chartreuse
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
    • lavender
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Origanum for your garden

aka Herrenhausen Ornamental Oregano

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-24"

Width: 18"-24"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

aka Ornamental Oregano

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Origanum acutidens close-up, flower by Ghislain118
View Plant

More Options

aka Origanum sundermanii, Ornamental Oregano

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 10"

Width: 12"

  • sun
  • drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Origanum x suendermanii flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
View Plant

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

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • regular - low
  • dry in summer
Photo of Origanum vulgaris ssp. hirtum foliage by Friends School Plant Sale
View Plant

More Options

aka Origanum vulgare 'Compacta Nana', Compacta Nana Oregano

Plant Type

Perennial, Herb

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 10"

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • low - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Origanum vulgare 'Compactum' form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+36 more Origanum
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved