Origanums

Origanums

An interesting genus of mostly mediterranean plants characterized by their fragrant leaves and small, tubular flowers enclosed in often showy bracts. The grow best in full sun and well drained soils. The selections Barbara Tingey, Buckland, Kent Beauty, libanoticum, and rotundifolium are best grown in raised beds or containers where their arching inflorescences can be admired and the good drainage requirements can be met. We grow these Origanums in clay chimney flues which works nicely. Hardy to zone 5 or 6.

'Barbara Tingey I consider this one of the best of the ornamental oreganos. From the slow growing base the 12" arching stems carry the deep pink inflorescence.

libanoticum (pulchellum) A beautiful plant for containers or spilling over walls. It sends out long, arching stems, each ending in the hop-like flower heads. The rose-pink flowers are encased by pale green bracts. It grows 8" high spreading to 24" across. (Top Photo)

libanoticum Superbum We selected this outstanding seedling of libanoticum a few years ago and have been increasingly impressed with it. The vigorous plant sends out 18" flower stems carrying at their tips the 6" long inflorescence of deep pink bracts. This is beautiful cascading over a wall or large container.

rotundifolium Quite interesting when the low mounds of glossy leaves erupt into a mass of plump, pale, apple-green bracts from which the slender pale pink flowers protrude. Spreads to 16" across and 8" high. (Bottom Photo)

rotundifolium Kent Beauty The trailing stems of plump, light green bracts tinged with pink, are prized by dried flower arrangers. Given a well drained soil it is easy and strong growing. (Middle Photo)

laevigatum Herrenhausen In the summer from a mat of glossy, purple-tinged leaves arise 18" stems carrying branched heads of bright reddish-purple flowers. An easy and showy perennial to grow in full sun.

Rosunkuppel Introduced from Germany this probable hybrid of O. laevigatum and O. vulgare makes a mat of bronze tinted leaves. In mid to late summer the relatively large lilac-rose flowers are produced in clusters. A good butterfly plant. Grows 24" high and 18" wide.

vulgare Humile A very dwarf culinary oregano whose tiny, fragrant leaves are tightly arranged on 3"-5" stems. It makes an excellent small edging plant for the herb or vegetable gardens, growing to 6" high and 12" across.

....................................Each $5.00