Origanum laevigatum
‘Herrenhausen’
‘Herrenhausen’ ornamental
oregano
lamiaceae
Tiny lavender-pink flowers on purple stems;
small green leaves tinged purple in cool
weather
2 ft. high; 2 ft. wide
Full sun
Blooms July–September
Zones 5–9
pruning ‘Herrenhausen’ blooms for
about 2 months in summer, but plants
remain colorful into fall thanks to
persistent purple bracts along with
dark stems and purple-flushed leaves.
Don’t cut back plants until growth
resumes in spring, as fall pruning
reduces cold hardiness.
other maintenance Plant
ornamental oregano in lean, prefera-
bly alkaline soil that drains freely.
Well-drained soil is especially crucial
in winter. This Mediterranean plant
needs full sun and tolerates heat but
struggles in high humidity. Divide
plants every few years to keep them
growing vigorously.
related plantS Culinary oregano,
Origanum vulgare, need not be
relegated to the herb garden if you
have a landscape bed that’s kept on the
dry side. This oregano has penny-sized
green leaves and grows 1–3 ft. tall. Tall
strains may splay open when the pale
lavender-pink flowers begin to open;
shear plants a couple of times in
spring and early summer (and eat the
trimmings) to keep them compact.
Continue trimming to prevent plants
from flowering altogether if you wish,
stopping in August to give them time
to harden off for the winter. Do let at
least a few plants bloom, however,
because the blossoms are a pollinator’s
paradise. Golden oregano, O. vulgare
‘Aureum’, is also a nice addition to the
perennial border. It stays shorter than
the green version, reaching only 6–12
in. Its glowing yellow spring foliage
may change to lime green in the heat
of summer.Origanum laevigatum
‘Herrenhausen’