Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

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Origanum vulgare 'Aureum'

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Kemper Code: A251

Common Name: oregano
Zone: 4 to 8
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 0.5 to 1 foot
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: July - September Bloom Data
Bloom Color: Pinkish-purple
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low

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Plant Culture and Characteristics

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Uses:		Wildlife:	Flowers:	Leaves:	Fruit:
Hedge	Suitable as annual	Attracts birds	Has showy flowers	Leaves colorful	Has showy fruit
Shade tree	Culinary herb	Attracts	Has fragrant flowers	Leaves fragrant	Fruit edible
Street tree	Vegetable	hummingbirds	Flowers not showy	Good fall color	Other:
Flowering tree	Water garden plant	Attracts	Good cut flower	Evergreen	Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1')	Will naturalize	butterflies	Good dried flower		Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Does very well in gritty, sandy loams. Good heat and drought tolerance. Best to regularly shear plants back before flowering to keep the planting tidy and to induce growth of new leaves. 'Aureum' generally appreciates some light afternoon shade in hot summer climates such as the St. Louis area where its golden leaves tend to scorch when grown in full sun.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

'Aureum' is a golden-leaved cultivar of common oregano. It is a sprawling, rhizomatous perennial that typically forms a foliage mat 6-12" tall and spreads by rhizomes to 18" or more. Oval, golden leaves (to 1" long) are mildly aromatic. Tiny, pinkish-purple, two-lipped flowers (typical mint family) rise above the foliage in summer in terminal or axillary spikes. Flowers are conspicuous but not of high ornamental value. Leaves are used either fresh or dried to flavor food dishes, particularly in Italian cuisine.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in wet, poorly drained soils.

Uses:

Mass in border fronts, herb gardens or rock gardens. Also effective as an edger.