I suppose this also fits into herbs but maybe not. A few weeks ago we went to Tyntesfield near Bristol and they were growing some beautiful origanum plants in a variety of colours. I've looked in the garden centre but can only find the ordinary herb variety amongst the seeds and my gardening book is not much help either. Does anyone know if the origanum I saw are the same species as the herb and can I grow them from seed or are they perennials/biennials which I can get in a pot?
Hi Celia - I have 2 Origanos, 1 verigated and 1 not - they are both perenials that I bought in pots at the nursery
Hi Celia, I have a nice ornamental one - Origanum laevigatum 'Herrenhausen', which I bought late last year, split into 6 plants earlier this year, and has now just come into flower. Its new to me, but I understand that it is perennial, long flowering and is happy in dry soil. It sounds very similar to Origanum laevigatum 'Hopleys'. You can get seeds for that at Chiltern Seeds http://www.edirectory.co.uk/chilternseeds/pages/default.asp?enc=IXGenusNameXA I think the cooking one is Origanum vulgare. There is a bit more info here http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Lamiaceae/Origanum.html try the O. laevigatum and O. vulgare links.
Thanks for your help. I was beginning to think that I had misread the label. I'll have a look round my local garden centre and see if I can find any.
Just bought a Herrenhausen to put in my cottage garden style bed that I'm trying to make. The flowers may be small but they are rich in colour
Their are approx 20 different origanos all perenials..They can be grown from seed or take cuttings in the spring..besides being used for cooking with they are also good as a medicinal plant..
I am glad you got one Celia. I am pleased with mine. Did you say that you saw a number of different colours. If so I must keep an eye out.
