Oregano Origanum onites

👤 Non-toxic to humans
🐾 Non-toxic to pets
🌸 Blooming
🍪 Edible
‍🌱 Easy-care
pot marjoram

ABOUT

Origanum onites, commonly known as pot marjoram, is a perennial herb distinguished by its ovate to elliptical leaves that are small and slightly hairy. These leaves often show a grayish-green hue and can have a slightly fuzzy texture, which aids in the plant’s retention of moisture and protection from the sun. The pot marjoram blooms in the summer, producing clusters of small, delicate flowers that range in color from pale pink to purple, attracting pollinators such as bees to the plant. The flowers are typically clustered in a dense formation called an inflorescence, emanating a sweet and pungent aroma that is a characteristic of the plant's essential oils. This fragrance becomes more pronounced when the leaves or flowers are crushed. Pot marjoram has a branching growth habit, forming a bushy appearance with multiple stems arising from the base. The stems are often reddish in color, which provides a nice contrast to the foliage and flowers, enhancing the overall ornamental value of the herb. Adapted to warm climates, pot marjoram is a hardy plant that thrives with full sun exposure and well-drained soils. Gardeners appreciate it for its aromatic and culinary qualities, adding a distinctive flavor to various dishes, as well as for its attractive presence in garden beds and borders. Its perennial nature ensures that it can provide visual and gustatory enjoyment year after year, given appropriate care and climatic conditions.

Plant Info
Care
Common Problems

About this plant

  • memoNames

    • Synonyms

      Potter's Oregano, Greek Oregano, Turkish Oregano, Rigani, Turkish Origanum, Wild Marjoram.

    • Common names

      Amaracus tomentosus, Origanum smyrnaeum, Origanum tomentosum, Origanum vulgare var. viridulum, Origanum vulgare subsp. viridulum, Thymus capitatus.

  • skullToxicity

    • To humans

      Origanum onites, commonly known as pot marjoram, is generally considered safe for human consumption when used in the typical amounts found in food and cooking. However, if consumed in large quantities, it may cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils and other potent compounds. It is important to note that essential oils from the plant should be used with caution as they can be irritating and toxic in high concentrations. Nevertheless, pot marjoram is widely used as a herb and there are no significant reports of toxicity from normal dietary intake to humans.

    • To pets

      Pot marjoram is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. However, as with humans, the essential oils and other compounds in Origanum onites could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. It’s always a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants not specifically intended for them. If your pet shows signs of distress after consuming any part of the plant, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior, it is best to consult a veterinarian.

  • infoCharacteristics

    • Life cycle

      Perennials

    • Foliage type

      Evergreen

    • Color of leaves

      Green

    • Flower color

      White

    • Height

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Spread

      1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

    • Plant type

      Herb

    • Hardiness zones

      8

    • Native area

      Mediterranean

Benefits

  • money-bagGeneral Benefits

    • Culinary Use: Origanum onites, commonly known as pot marjoram, is frequently used to flavor a variety of dishes, including pizzas, pastas, and salads, owing to its aromatic leaves.
    • Aromatic Properties: Pot marjoram has a strong and pleasant fragrance that makes it popular for use in essential oils and aromatherapy.
    • Landscape Gardening: With its attractive foliage and flowers, pot marjoram is often planted in gardens for ornamental purposes.
    • Pollinator Attraction: The plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which is important for the pollination of plants and health of the ecosystem.
    • Herbal Teas: Leaves of pot marjoram are used in the making of herbal teas which are appreciated for their aroma and flavor.
    • Culinary Herb Garden: Pot marjoram is a preferred choice for culinary herb gardens due to its ease of growth and maintenance.
    • Companion Planting: Gardeners use pot marjoram in companion planting to enhance the growth and flavor of nearby plants and vegetables.
    • Natural Dye: The plant can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, and crafts.

  • medicalMedical Properties

    • Antioxidant - Origanum onites has been known to have antioxidant properties, which can help in protecting cells from damage by free radicals.
    • Antimicrobial - It exhibits antimicrobial activity, meaning it may help in fighting against certain bacteria and fungi.
    • Anti-inflammatory - The plant has been used to reduce inflammation, potentially assisting in the relief of inflammatory conditions.
    • Antispasmodic - Origanum onites may have antispasmodic effects that can alleviate spasms in the digestive system.
    • Expectorant - It is sometimes used as an expectorant, which can help in the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract.
    • Carminative - The plant has carminative properties, which may aid in reducing gas and bloating.

  • windAir-purifying Qualities

    This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

  • leavesOther Uses

    • Origanum onites, commonly known as Pot Marjoram, can be used as a natural food preservative due to its antioxidant properties which help in prolonging the shelf life of various food products.
    • In ornamental gardening, Pot Marjoram adds a pleasant aesthetic with its small, rounded, gray-green leaves, making it an attractive border plant or ground cover.
    • The dried leaves and flowers of Pot Marjoram are often used in potpourri for their fragrance and to add a rustic appeal to the mix.
    • As a companion plant in the vegetable garden, Pot Marjoram can help attract beneficial insects such as bees for pollination, enhancing the fruiting of crops.
    • The plant can be used in the natural dying process, providing a range of tan to green hues to textiles depending on the mordant used.
    • When placed in linen closets and drawers, the dried leaves of Pot Marjoram can impart a fresh scent to linens and repel moths and other insects.
    • It has been used traditionally in aromatherapy, where the oil can provide a soothing aromatic experience and is believed to uplift the mood.
    • In culinary practices, apart from its use as a spice, Pot Marjoram can be infused in oils and vinegars to create flavor-infused condiments for salads and cooking.
    • Pot Marjoram's woody stems can be dried and used as skewers for grilling small pieces of meat or vegetables, imparting a subtle herby flavor.
    • The leaves of Pot Marjoram can be scattered on bookshelves as a natural deterrent for silverfish and other paper-damaging insects.

Interesting Facts

  • bedFeng Shui

    The Oregano is not used in Feng Shui practice.

  • aquariusZodiac Sign Compitability

    Oregano is not used in astrology practice.

  • spiralPlant Symbolism

    • Culinary Delight: Origanum onites, commonly known as Turkish oregano, symbolizes a love for cooking and the use of herbs in creating flavorful dishes.
    • Healing: As a plant with medicinal properties, Turkish oregano represents health and healing, often used in traditional remedies for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
    • Protection: Historically, oregano was believed to offer protection. Turkish oregano inherits this symbolism, where it might be used to ward off evil spirits or negative energies.
    • Happiness and Tranquility: The pleasant aroma of Turkish oregano is associated with creating a peaceful and contented home environment, thus symbolizing happiness and tranquility.
    • Love and Affection: Similar to other herbs, Turkish oregano can symbolize love and devotion, as herbs have often been given to convey care and attention.

💧
Every 1-2 weeks
Water
☀️
2500 - 10000 Lux
Light
💦️
40%
Humidity
🪴
Every 2-3 years
Repotting
🌱️
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation
✂️️
As needed
Pruning
  • water dropWater

    Turkish oregano requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring and summer, water approximately once a week with about a half gallon for potted plants or a proportional amount for garden-planted specimens depending on the size and environmental conditions. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down, and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

  • sunLight

    Turkish oregano thrives best in full sun conditions, receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. Place it in a location where it will have plenty of light, such as a south-facing window or a spot in the garden that isn't shaded. The plant can tolerate partial shade but its growth and flavor may not be as robust.

  • thermometerTemperature

    Turkish oregano prefers a temperature range between 50°F and 80°F, but it can withstand temperatures down to 30°F for short periods. The ideal growing conditions are warm days and cooler nights. Continuous exposure to temperatures above 90°F may stress the plant and affect growth.

  • scissorsPruning

    Prune Turkish oregano to promote bushy growth and to prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Snip off the tips of the stems, particularly after flowering, to encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in the spring, and periodic trimming throughout the growing season can maintain the plant's shape. Pruning also allows for harvest of fresh leaves for culinary use.

  • broomCleaning

    As needed

  • bambooSoil

    Oregano (Origanum onites) grows best in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A suitable mix could be composed of two parts potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite. Adding compost or other organic matter can enrich the soil and benefit the plant's health.

  • plantRepotting

    Oregano (Origanum onites) doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. It's best to repot every two to three years or when you see the roots are overcrowded, generally in early spring.

  • water dropsHumidity & Misting

    Oregano (Origanum onites) prefers a Mediterranean climate and does well in low to moderate humidity levels. It can tolerate a wide humidity range as long as it is not excessively high, which could foster fungal diseases.

  • pinSuitable locations

    • Indoor

      Place in sunny spot, water when soil feels dry.

    • Outdoor

      Full sun, well-drained soil, water sparingly.

    • Hardiness zone

      7-11 USDA.

  • circleLife cycle

    Origanum onites, commonly known as pot marjoram, begins its life cycle as a seed, which requires well-draining soil and sunlight to germinate, often in the spring. Seedlings emerge and grow into a herbaceous plant characterized by square stems and aromatic leaves, a phase that can happen rather rapidly in favorable conditions. As it matures, pot marjoram develops clusters of small, pink or purple flowers by mid-summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, these flowers produce seeds by late summer or early fall, completing the reproductive cycle of the plant. The plant then enters a dormant phase in winter, particularly in regions with colder climates. Perennial by nature, pot marjoram will sprout new growth from its root system once the weather warms up in spring, continuing its cycle for several years.

  • sproutPropogation

    • Propogation time

      Spring-Early Summer

    • Propogation: Origanum onites, commonly known as pot marjoram, is a perennial herb that is typically propagated in two main ways: by seed or by cuttings. However, the most popular method for propagating pot marjoram is through stem cuttings, a process which is generally undertaken in late spring to early summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener should take a 3-5 inch (7.5-12.5 cm) section from a healthy, non-flowering stem, stripping away the lower leaves to expose the nodes. This cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The container should be placed in a warm, well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be transplanted to its final growing location.