Origanum vulgare (Oregano): aromatic herb for garden, kitchen and health

Origanum vulgare, better known as oregano, is a versatile and popular herb that's a must-have for any herb garden. This perennial plant in the Lamiaceae family is known for its intense aroma, its wide range of culinary uses, and its attraction to bees and butterflies. Thanks to its combination of ornamental value, ease of use, and culinary qualities, oregano is beloved by both amateur gardeners and professional chefs.

Characteristics of Origanum vulgare

Oregano is a perennial, hardy plant that reaches a height of about 30 to 60 centimeters. The plant has small, oval-shaped leaves with a grayish-green color and develops numerous small pink to purple flowers in summer. These flowers are not only decorative but also very attractive to pollinating insects.

The taste and aroma of oregano are warm, spicy, and slightly bitter. The leaves, in particular, contain a wealth of aromatic oils, which are responsible for its characteristic flavor. The sunnier the location, the more intense the aroma.

Location and care

Origanum vulgare is an easy-care plant with few requirements. For best results, plant oregano in a sunny, warm spot in well-drained soil. The plant dislikes wet feet; dry, chalky soil is ideal.

Oregano is very easy to care for. Regular pruning promotes compact growth and stimulates the production of new, flavorful leaves. The plant can be pruned back in spring to encourage rejuvenation. Oregano is very winter-hardy and will re-sprout naturally in spring.

Oregano in the kitchen

Oregano is an essential herb in Mediterranean cuisine. It's widely used in Italian, Greek, and Spanish dishes, including pizza, pasta sauce, tomato dishes, grilled meats, and vegetables. Whether fresh or dried, oregano retains its powerful flavor, although dried oregano is often more concentrated.

The leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. The best time to dry them is just before flowering, when the essential oil content is highest. Hang the sprigs in a warm, well-ventilated place and store the dried leaves in an airtight container.

Health benefits

Besides its culinary uses, oregano is also known for its medicinal properties. The herb contains antioxidants and essential oils like carvacrol and thymol, which are traditionally used to support digestion and the immune system. Oregano has been used in herbal medicine for centuries, including as a tea or oil.

Application in garden and landscape

Thanks to its compact growth and long flowering period, oregano is also very suitable as an ornamental plant. It thrives in borders, herb gardens, pots, and rockeries. Furthermore, oregano is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for sustainable and low-maintenance gardens.