Fact Sheet Oregano Plant
Oregano Plant | Origanum vulgare
Overview of the Oregano Plant
The Oregano plant (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic evergreen herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to the Mediterranean and is a perennial plant that can grow approximately 1.5 meters tall. The Rosemary plant has distinctive needle- like leaves that are green on top and lighter underneath. Rosemary has a long history of use in cooking, medical and religious contexts. The Ancient Greeks and Romans believed Rosemary could improve memory and in the Middle Ages it was used to ward off evil spirits. Rosemary is a very popular herb for both cooking and for its health benefits when extracted as an essential oil. The Rosemary plant is easy to care for and a hardy plant. Easy to grow in pots or outdoors as a larger shrub or low hedge in the garden, Rosemary is a popular plant choice.
Growing Oregano
Rosemary Plant overview
Hardy, drought tolerant, provides many health benefits, requiring little maintenance and with an interesting history, Rosemary is a great indoor or outdoor plant choice that is a staple in most gardens.
Planting, cultivating or seeding
Position
Rosemary prefers a warm, light position. For indoors, choose a position that is warm in summer and well lit with natural light during winter. If this is not possible, consider placing your Rosemary under grow lights in winter as it does not thrive in extremely cold conditions.
Soil and Fertilising
Ensure your soil is well drained and slightly dry. If your soil is acidic, consider growing Rosemary in a pot and give it a monthly dose of an all-purpose plant food and fertilise annually in Spring.
Watering and pruning
Requires regular watering only in very dry conditions and is best tip pruned if you are regularly harvesting from the plant. Avoid cutting into the bare woody branches as they may not reshoot. As it can also be used as a hedge or edging plant, it responds well to pruning and shaping.
Flowers
Flowers of an Oragno Plant are are usually purple or pink a shade of blue however can come in white or even pink varieties. Generally blooms abundantly from late Winter through to Summer.
Health Benefits of the Oregano Plant
High in Antioxidants
Oregano Plant essential oil has two key natural compounds carvacrol and thymol that are known for their antibacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties which may help reduce pain and swelling and early studies suggest it possibly includes anticancer properties and could reduce the risk of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Oregano essential oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce pain and swelling which means it could be useful for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Our Favourite Oregano Recipe
Interesting Facts
- In ancient Greece Oregano was a symbol for joy and happiness. Bridal wreaths were made of Oregano.
- The name Oregano comes from the Greek words ‘oros’ meaning mountain and ‘ganos’ meaning joy.n
- When dried and stored in glass, Rosemary will retain its fragrance.
- Rosemary can be used as a natural insecticide and is a good natural alternative to other products that contain nasty chemicals
- Rosemary makes a great basis for a DIY Christmas wreath for your door.
- See Edible Gardens and Plant & Gardening Fact Sheets for more information about growing your own foods