Origanum x hybridum
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Requires a rather dry, warm, well-drained soil in full sun, but is not fussy as to soil type, thriving on chalk. This species is not very hardy outdoors in the colder areas of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. A hybrid species, O. dictamnus x O. sipyleum. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagation
Seed - sow in a greenhouse in early spring at 10 - 13°c and only just cover the seed. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. This is a hybrid species and will not breed true from seed. Division in March or October. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer. Basal cuttings of young barren shoots in June. Very easy. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Edible uses
The aromatic foliage is used as a condiment.
Habitat
Not known
Native range
W. Asia - Levant.