Origanum × barbarae
Wild Marjoram
Origanum vulgare
L. Species
- Botanical name
- Origanum vulgare
- Also known as
- Oregano, Wild Marjoram, Winter Sweet
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Genus
- Origanum
- Flowering period
- July to September
- Height
- 30–60 cm
- Spread
- 30–45 cm
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy (RHS H7)
- Reference
- World Flora Online
How to grow Wild Marjoram
Full sun
Low once established; drought tolerant
Free-draining, poor to moderately fertile; dislikes winter wet
Neutral to alkaline
Planting
Plant in spring into sharply drained soil, adding grit on heavier ground. A raised bed, gravel garden or the sunny foot of a wall suits it. Rich soil produces lush growth with weaker flavour, so do not improve the ground much.
Pruning
Cut back hard after flowering to keep the plant compact and encourage a flush of fresh leaf. Leave the final trim until spring in cold gardens, as the old top growth gives some frost protection.
Propagation
Division in spring is simplest. Softwood cuttings in early summer root well. Seed germinates readily but seedlings vary in flavour and aroma.
Pests and diseases
Generally trouble-free. Losses are usually from waterlogged winter soil rather than pests. Occasional aphids on soft new growth.
Value to wildlife
One of the better herbs for pollinators — the summer flowers draw bees and butterflies in numbers. Leave a good proportion of the plant to flower rather than cutting it all for the kitchen.
Notes
Flavour is strongest on plants grown hard in sun and poor soil. Golden and variegated forms scorch in the hottest positions and are grown for foliage rather than for cooking.
This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.
Other names for this plant
These names have all been used for Origanum vulgare but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.
Origanum floridum
Thymus origanum
Others in Origanum
GardenDecoded is an educational gardening reference. Botanical data comes from World Flora Online and GBIF; growing guidance is our own. Always check a plant's toxicity and local invasiveness status before planting, and never eat or apply a plant based on this site alone.