Oregano Origanum 'Barbara Tingey'
ABOUT
Origanum 'Barbara Tingey', commonly known as ornamental oregano, has a distinct appearance with a display of decorative foliage and flowering parts. The leaves of the plant are typically green, though they can have a subtle hint of gray or silver, and have a slightly fuzzy texture which gives the plant a soft, velvety feel. These leaves are small, oval-shaped, and may have slightly serrated edges. The flowers of ornamental oregano are where it truly shines, with small, tubular blooms that can range in color from pale pink to deep purple. These flowers are clustered together in tight bunches that create a concentrated pop of color. The blooms are often bracted by colorful, papery husks that may resemble petals, adding to its ornamental value. These husks can vary in color but often have shades of pink, purple, or sometimes a rusty red. The overall impression of the plant is one that is delicate and intricate, with a fine texture to the foliage and a whimsical display of floral bracts that can give it a frothy appearance. The ornamental oregano can add a splash of color and a Mediterranean feel to gardens due to its origin in the area. In gardens, ornamental oregano is appreciated not only for its beauty but also for its hardiness, making it a favorite among gardeners who want to add a long-lasting and visually appealing element to their landscape. Its flowers may also draw the attention of pollinators, adding another layer of life to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
There are no specific common names for the Origanum 'Barbara Tingey' cultivar beyond its general association with the common names for the genus Origanum, such as Oregano, Marjoram.
Common names
Origanum 'Barbara Tingey'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Origanum 'Barbara Tingey' is oregano. Typically, oregano is not toxic to humans and is widely used as a culinary herb. Consuming it in normal food quantities is generally safe. However, consuming it in extremely large amounts could potentially lead to stomach issues due to the volatile oils it contains. It is always advisable to use oregano in moderation as with any other herbs.
To pets
Oregano, the common name for Origanum 'Barbara Tingey', is considered to have mild to moderate toxicity for pets such as dogs and cats. While small quantities might not cause any serious harm beyond possible stomach upset, larger amounts could potentially lead to more serious digestive issues, lethargy, or in some cases, central nervous system depression. If a pet consumes a significant amount of oregano, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Oregano is commonly used as a herb in cooking, providing a distinct and robust flavor to a variety of dishes, especially in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its attractive foliage and tendency to produce small flowers, oregano can add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Ease of Growth: Oregano is known for being a hardy, easy-to-grow herb that can thrive in a range of conditions, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, oregano plants are generally drought-tolerant, requiring less water compared to many other plants, which can be beneficial in water-scarce areas.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of oregano can attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Culinary Versatility: Oregano can be used in fresh, dried, or oil form, expanding its applications in the kitchen and allowing for preservation through drying.
- Herb Garden Staple: As a popular herb, oregano is a staple in many herb gardens, complementing other herbs and providing a reliable harvest for culinary use.
- Companion Planting: Oregano is a good companion plant for some vegetables and other herbs, potentially improving plant health and deterring pests when grown together.
- Low Maintenance: Oregano generally requires minimal care once established, with infrequent need for fertilization or special treatment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The fragrant leaves of oregano 'Barbara Tingey' can be placed in drawers or closets as a natural moth repellent, protecting clothing and linens.
- Dried oregano can be used in potpourri mixtures to impart a pleasant aroma to the home.
- Oregano plants can be used in landscaping as ground cover or as part of a rock garden due to their hardy and spreading nature.
- The flowers of oregano 'Barbara Tingey' are attractive to butterflies, making the plant a good choice for butterfly gardens.
- Fresh oregano leaves can be infused in oil or vinegar to create flavored dressings and marinades with a Mediterranean twist.
- Oregano 'Barbara Tingey', with its dense foliage, can be used as a natural privacy screen in small gardens or patios.
- Planting oregano near vegetable gardens can potentially help deter certain pests due to its strong scent, thereby acting as a companion plant.
- The sturdy stems of oregano 'Barbara Tingey' can be used as natural skewers for grilling, infusing dishes with a subtle herb flavor.
- When dried, oregano branches can be used to create rustic wreaths or other decorative items for a natural home aesthetic.
- Oregano 'Barbara Tingey' can be used as part of a natural dye process for fabrics, yielding a range of subtle greenish to brown hues.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oregano is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityOregano is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace - Origanum signifies peace in plant symbolism, representing tranquility and a calming influence.
- Happiness - The vibrant, aromatic quality of the marjoram plant, to which Origanum 'Barbara Tingey' is related, is often associated with joy and happiness in various cultures.
- Health - The herb marjoram (a type of Origanum) is known for its healthful benefits and has been used medicinally throughout history, symbolizing well-being and vitality.
- Longevity - Origanum species have been connected with longevity due to their extensive use in folk medicine and their association with healthy living.
- Love - Because of its sweet and inviting scent, Origanum is occasionally tied to love, conveying affection and warmth.
WaterThe Origanum 'Barbara Tingey', commonly known as Barbara Tingey Oregano, prefers a moderate and consistent watering routine allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Water this plant approximately once every week with one or two gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the dryness of the soil. It’s important not to overwater, as the roots can be prone to rot in soggy soil. During the hot summer months, you may need to increase the frequency, but always check the soil moisture before adding more water.
LightBarbara Tingey Oregano thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily. Protect the plant from the intense afternoon sun if you live in a particularly hot climate, as it can tolerate some shade and might benefit from a break from the heat.
TemperatureBarbara Tingey Oregano is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. The ideal growth temperature for this plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can survive temperature drops to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing for extended periods. Providing a stable environment without extreme temperature fluctuations is key for its health.
PruningPruning Barbara Tingey Oregano encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Prune lightly in early spring as new growth appears, cutting back by about a third. Additionally, prune after the plant blooms to maintain its compact shape and to encourage a second flowering. The best time for a more substantial pruning is shortly after blooming, which typically occurs in summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ornamental oregano 'Barbara Tingey' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. A blend of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and small gravel or coarse sand is suitable to ensure good drainage. Amending the mix with a small amount of lime can help maintain a favorable pH for this herbaceous perennial.
RepottingThe ornamental oregano 'Barbara Tingey' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and provide space for growth. Always repot in the spring or early summer when the plant is experiencing active growth.
Humidity & MistingOrnamental oregano 'Barbara Tingey' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate dry air. Aim for humidity levels around 40-50%, which is typical for indoor environments, to maintain the plant's health without the need for special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near sunny window; water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and space 12 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleOriganum 'Barbara Tingey', commonly known as ornamental oregano, begins its life as a seed, which, when sown in well-drained soil and with adequate warmth, germinates to produce small seedlings. These seedlings then develop into young plants with characteristic foliage, where they continue to grow and establish a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing stems and leaves prolifically, and when environmental conditions are right, typically in the warmer months, it transitions to the flowering stage, producing small, attractive flowers that are often pink or purple. Post-pollination, these flowers may produce seeds, allowing the plant to reproduce and complete its reproductive cycle. After flowering, many perennial ornamental oreganos, including 'Barbara Tingey', will enter a dormant period during colder months but will regrow from the rootstock once favorable conditions return in spring. Over the course of several years, they may lose vigor and may need to be divided or replaced to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing garden display.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Origanum 'Barbara Tingey', which is a variety of oregano, is commonly propagated by cuttings as it is a reliable and efficient method. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, a gardener would select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length, making sure there are several leaves on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mixture of moistened potting soil and perlite, ensuring the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried in the soil. The pot is kept in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight, and the soil is kept consistently moist until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new oregano plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
