Oregano Origanum vulgare 'Gold Tip' (v)
ABOUT
Origanum vulgare 'Gold Tip' (v), commonly known as oregano, is a perennial herb renowned for its aromatic leaves that are widely used in cooking. This particular cultivar offers an attractive variation from the standard oregano plant. The oregano 'Gold Tip' features small, oval-shaped leaves that bear a striking golden edge or tip, which gives the plant its name. The foliage maintains this golden coloring throughout the growing season, providing a colorful contrast against the more common green of the leaves. The leaves may also have a slightly fuzzy or velvety texture, adding to the visual and tactile interest of the plant. During its blooming period, oregano 'Gold Tip' produces clusters of tiny, tubular flowers. These flowers are typically a pale shade of pink or purple, and they rise above the foliage on slender stems, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. Overall, the oregano 'Gold Tip' displays a bushy appearance, due to its proliferation of stems and leaves, giving it a lush and vibrant character that can add both visual appeal and aromatic splendor to any herb garden or landscape setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Golden Oregano, Variegated Golden Oregano, Golden Marjoram
Common names
Origanum vulgare.
ToxicityTo humans
Oregano 'Gold Tip' is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. Typically, it is safe when used in food amounts. However, in some individuals, consuming large quantities of oregano could potentially lead to stomach upset or an allergic reaction, especially in those who are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family. But these are not common occurrences, and the plant is widely used as a culinary herb.
To pets
Oregano 'Gold Tip' is generally considered safe for pets, but it's important to note that when consumed in large amounts, it could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It contains phenols and terpenoids, which can be more potent in essential oil form and may be more toxic if ingested in that manner. However, the fresh or dried leaves used in culinary amounts are typically not harmful. If you notice any adverse reactions in your pets after ingestion, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Oregano, including Origanum vulgare 'Gold Tip' (v), is widely used in cooking for flavoring a variety of dishes, especially in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Gold Tip' variety has attractive foliage with golden-edged leaves, adding a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, oregano is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pollinator Attraction: Oregano flowers can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding pollination of nearby plants.
- Low Maintenance: Oregano is generally easy to grow and maintain, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Herb Garden Staple: Its robust flavors make it an essential part of any herb garden and a staple for home cooks who enjoy fresh herbs.
- Companion Planting: Oregano can be beneficial when planted near other plants as it may help to repel certain pests naturally.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Origanum vulgare 'Gold Tip', commonly known as oregano, contains compounds such as carvacrol and thymol which have been recognized for their antimicrobial properties.
- Antioxidant: Oregano is known to have antioxidant properties, which help in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory: Oregano may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which could help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Digestive aid: The herb is sometimes used to help soothe indigestion and other minor digestive issues.
- Antispasmodic: Oregano has been noted for its potential to relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Expectorant: Oregano can act as an expectorant, helping to clear congestion in the respiratory tract.
- Menstrual aid: It has been traditionally employed to help relieve menstrual cramps.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The leaves of oregano can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a beige to greenish color depending on the mordant used.
- Decorative Garlands: Dried oregano sprigs can be woven into garlands or wreaths for a rustic touch in home decor, giving off a subtle fragrance as they dry.
- Garden Companion Planting: Growing oregano can help deter pests in the garden, making it a beneficial companion plant for vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage.
- Homemade Potpourri: The aromatic leaves of oregano can be included in homemade potpourri mixes to add a robust, earthy scent to a room.
- Flavor Enhancer for Candles: Dried oregano can be added to homemade candles to achieve a subtle herbaceous scent when burned.
- Foot Soak: A strong infusion of oregano leaves can be used as a relaxing foot soak to soften the skin and provide a comforting herbal experience.
- Moth Repellent: The strong scent of oregano is disliked by moths, so dried sprigs can be placed in wardrobes or drawers to protect clothing from moth damage.
- Herbal Bookmarks: Dried oregano sprigs can be placed between the pages of books as aromatic bookmarks that leave a pleasant scent and discourage insects from inhabiting the pages.
- Photography Prop: Fresh or dried oregano can add a touch of nature and texture when used as a prop for still-life photography.
- Pet Bedding Additive: Dried oregano can be mixed with pet bedding for small animals to impart a nice smell and possibly deter insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiOregano is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityOregano is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace: Origanum vulgare, commonly known as Oregano, often symbolizes peace, perhaps due to its calming scent and its role in creating harmonious flavors in various cuisines.
- Happiness: Oregano is also associated with joy and happiness. Its bright, verdant leaves and pleasant aroma contribute to this uplifting symbolism.
- Protection: Historically, Oregano has been used in folk medicine and superstitions to protect against negative forces and illness.
- Health: As a herb known for its beneficial properties, Oregano represents good health and is thought to promote well-being due to its antioxidants and vitamins.
WaterGold Tip Oregano should be watered thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions. Generally, it is best to provide the plant with about 1 inch of water every week, but you may need to adjust this frequency based on the climate and soil drainage. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as Gold Tip Oregano is sensitive to soggy soil conditions. In extreme heat or periods of drought, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring each time that the soil is soaked to a depth of at least 8 inches. During the cooler months, reduce watering to prevent root rot, monitoring the soil moisture level before adding more water.
LightGold Tip Oregano thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is best positioned in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat stress. Avoid deep shade, as it can lead to poor growth and diminished flavor of the leaves.
TemperatureGold Tip Oregano prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. It is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it might struggle if the temperature goes outside of this range, especially during the colder winter months when it becomes dormant.
PruningPrune Gold Tip Oregano to promote bushy growth, improve air circulation, and maintain plant health. Trim the plant back in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged leaves and again after flowering to encourage a new flush of growth. Annual or biannual pruning is typically sufficient. The best time for major pruning is in early spring, just before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOregano 'Gold Tip' thrives best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mixture of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite encourages good drainage. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to provide nutrients.
RepottingOregano 'Gold Tip' should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is usually the best time for repotting this herb to minimize stress on the plant.
Humidity & MistingOregano 'Gold Tip' prefers dry to average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations, making it well-suited to most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure plenty of light, well-drained soil.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleOriganum vulgare 'Gold Tip', commonly known as Golden Oregano, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically occurs in early spring when soil temperatures warm. Upon germination, the seedlings develop into small plants, forming a rosette of leaves close to the soil surface. As the plants mature, they produce stems that grow upright, reaching a height of up to two feet, and branches with slightly hairy, golden-tipped leaves. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer, displaying tiny, pink to purple flowers that are attractive to pollinators like bees. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing seeds that, once mature, can be dispersed to propagate new plants. Golden Oregano is a perennial herb, so after the blooming period, it enters a phase of dormancy in the colder months, only to resprout from its root system with warmer weather the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Origanum vulgare 'Gold Tip', commonly known as Golden Oregano, is best propagated by taking stem cuttings during the late spring or early summer when the plant’s growth is most vigorous. To propagate by stem cuttings, select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length from the tip. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two leaf nodes are buried where roots can form. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and provide indirect light until roots establish, after which the cutting can be transplanted into its final location.
